S2.1.2 For the adult
From seed to seedling
What is inside a seed, and how does it start to grow?
What this chapter teaches
A seed holds a tiny plant, a food store and a coat. It starts to grow with water, air and warmth, and most seeds need no soil or light to start. A common mistake is to think a seed needs soil to begin.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What do you think is inside a dry bean, and how could you find out?
- One cup of beans is wet and one is dry. What will you see after some days, and why?
- Why does a seed carry its own food?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Name the parts of a seed: coat, food store and tiny plant
- Test whether seeds need water to start growing, using two cups
What they copy into their notebook
Seed parts: a seed coat, a food store and a tiny plant. With water, air and warmth it starts to grow. The root comes out first, then the shoot. Seeds need no soil to start.