Grade Levels

K - 5

Objectives

• Recognize, compare and contrast the physical characterisics of seeds.
• Identify the parts of a peanut seed.
• Observe and record the growth rate and habits of a variety of seeds.

Standards of Learning

Science
K.1, K-8, 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.8, 3.8, 3.10, 4.1, 4.4, 5.1, 5.5

Materials:

• Variety of flower and vegetable seeds
• Raw peanuts
• Paper cups (3 oz), with small hole in bottom
• Potting soil
• Seed diagram

Procedure

1. What is a seed? Look at and discuss the seed diagram. A seed is a self-contained packet of life; seeds contain an embryo plant.

2. Examine the various seeds. Note their differences. This can be a sorting activity, sorting seeds by color, shape, size, etc.

3. Develop a list of seed characteristics as observed by students.
   
   • Seeds come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.
   • Some seeds have an odor
   • Seeds can be dispersed by: wind, water, or animals
   • We eat seeds, grow plant s from seeds, and seeds are used in many different products.
   • Seeds come in unique packages: peanut, avocado, coconut, apple, cucumber, grape, etc.

4. Distribute peanuts, remove nuts from shell, split one nut in half, and observe the embryo.
   NOTE: Some people have an allergy to peanuts, please make sure that none of your students have peanut allergies.

5. Discuss what all seeds (and plants) need to grow.
   All seeds and plants need food, air, water, sun, air, soil, and space.

6. Distribute cups of soil and plant a seed, by gently pushing the seed just under the surface, approximately 3/4 of an inch.

7. Keep a record of your seeds growth. Note when the seed germinated (sprouted) and any observed changes.

Assessment or Extension:

For example, some variables to compare could include:

• Level of light: Was the seedling placed in sun or shade?
• Amount of water: How often was seedling watered? How much water was given?
• Fertilizer: Was fertilizer used? How much fertilizer waw used?

  Sample Data Sheet:

  Seed Type	Variable	Date Planted	Date Sprouted	Date & Height
  Peanut #1	Full sun	6/14.97	6/21/97	6/28/97;   2"
  peanut #2	Shade	6/14/97	6/23/97	6/28/97;   1.5"

  To learn more about seeds, plan a visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden. The Garden offers school programs for students in pre-school through 5th grade. You can reach the Education Department at (757)441-5838 or e-mail us at garden@norfolk.infi.net.

  ---

  Web Sites:

  Norfolk Botanical Garden http://www.communitylink.org/nbg

  National 4-H Council:
  Virginia Carolina Peanuts

  National Corn Growers Association

  Virginia State Home Page

  ---

  
  Contact person:

  Molly Headden
  Norfolk Botanical Garden
  6700 Azalea Garden Road
  Norfolk, VA 23518-5337

  (757)441-5838
  garden@norfolk.infi.net

  ---

  Top of Lesson