Reuniting Kids w/ Nature – Germination Rates Experiment

MATERIALS: 

Old seeds (3-5 varieties), growth chart, soil, seed starting tray or deep cookie sheet, a window, masking tape and a marker or pen

TIME FRAME: 

15 – 30 minutes + germination time (3-10 days)

PROCEDURE:

1. Fill your seed starting tray or your cookie sheet up with soil.
2. With your fingertip, create a shallow row in the soil for each variety of seed you have (if you have four varieties, make four rows).
3. In each row, place one variety of seed following the directions on the packet for depth and spacing.
4. Using your masking tape and marker, write down which seeds were planted where and attach the tape to the side of your germination tray.
5. Using your Growth Chart write down which seeds your planted in which rows and how many of each variety were planted.
6. Gently water your seeds and place them in a warm and sunny location.
7. Using your Growth Chart, track which seeds germinate first, second, third, etc. as well as when each sprout grows it’s first true leaves and any other information you’d like to jot down.

REFLECTION: 

Which seeds germinated first?  Did all of the seeds in each variety germinate? Germination is dependent on many factors; age, moisture, sunlight…What other factors could affect the germination of seeds?  Imagine these seeds were outside and not protected within your home.  What are some possible factors that could affect their germination then?

TIPS & IMAGININGS:

Light, heat and water all factor into how well each seed will germinate. Imagine that your seed is a tiny little baby (it is!) and you must care for every need so it can grow up to be healthy and strong (just like you)! Luckily, the seedlings won’t be running around like you do, though!