Lesson: "Greenhouse" Sprouts Garden

National Standards

Science:
NS.K-4.1
NS.K-4.3
NS.K-4.4
NS.5-8.1
NS.5-8.3
NS.5-8.4

Mathematics:
NM.K-4.10

Subjects:

Math

Science

Grades:

K-2, 3-5, 6-8

Brief Description

Students grow sprouts from seeds using soil in clear plastic bags.

Objectives

Students

• define the word greenhouse,
• learn general information about common sprouts,
• plant sprout seeds in soil inside clear plastic bags,
• monitor and record each sprout's growth.

Keywords

herbs, greenhouse, plastic bag, seeds

Materials Needed

• packets of three different sprout seeds; for example, alfalfa, broccoli, radish, sunflower
• quart-sized plastic bags that zip at the top, one per group (if available, use the kind that have a designated area for label)
• soil
• permanent marker
• self-adhesive label or masking tape (optional)
• water
• paper plates (one per group)
• ruler
• paper
• pens or pencils

Lesson Plan

Prior to the lesson, soak the seeds for 8 to 12 hours in a volume of water that is double or greater than the amount of seeds. Rinse before planting.

• Discuss the meaning of the word greenhouse. Tell students that they are going to create very simple greenhouses using plastic bags, soil, and water.
• Show students the soaked seeds. Explain that students will use the seeds to grow sprouts like the kinds people often eat in salads or on sandwiches.
• Divide the class into pairs. Distribute some of two types of the soaked seeds, one plastic bag, soil, and a paper plate to each pair. Give students these instructions:
1. Write the names of the seeds you will plant and your names on the bag (or on the label or tape).
2. Place about an inch layer of soil in the bottom of the bag.
3. Put the seeds in the soil.
4. Add water, but do not drown the seeds.
5. Place the bag on the paper plate.
6. Leave the bag partially open to allow air inside and to keep some moisture inside the bag.
7. Check the bag each day for moisture and growth. Measure plants daily using a ruler.
• Put the plates in one spot in the classroom. Have students monitor and record the growth for five days. Have each group report their findings to the class.

Extension: Have students put the sprouts in pots and continue monitoring until the sprouts become plants.

Variations:

• Compare growth by putting some bags near a window and others in a dark spot in the classroom.
• Try the activity using other kinds of seeds, such as herb seeds.

Assessment

Evaluate students' participation and reports.