IS WATER NEEDED FOR SEEDS TO GROW?

G R O W T H V S . D E V E LO P M E N T

C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S O F L I F E

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Lima Beans

Pinto Beans

Scientists use an orderly procedure called the scientific method to seek answers to problems.

Scientists…• ask questions • form a hypothesis to

answer the questions• create experiments • record observations• collect and analyze

data • make conclusions

THE PROBLEM

Is water needed for seeds to grow?

2 pinto beans

seeds

2 lima bean seeds

Beaker

Ruler

Medicine dropper

2 plastic zip-lock sandwich bags

Sharpie

Water

2 pieces of paper towel

Timer

MATERIALS

CHECK YOUR LAB BENCH TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE MATERIALS!!

PROCEDURE #1

State your hypothesis to the

problem on your lab sheet:

Is Water Needed For Seeds To Grow?

A hypothesis is your answer to the problem before you start the experiment.

PROCEDURE #2

c) Make your observations about the shape, texture, seed coat, color, etc. in the chart labeled “Observations Table”

Measurements Table 9/10

9/11 9/16 9/18 9/21

Length of pinto bean Bag A

cm cm cm cm cm

Width of pinto bean Bag A

cm cm cm cm cm

Length of sprout on pinto bean Bag A (if visible)

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

Length of lima bean Bag A

cm cm cm cm cm

Width of lima bean Bag A

cm cm cm cm cm

Length of sprout on lima bean Bag A (if visible)

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

  cm cm cm cm cmLength of pinto bean Bag B

cm cm cm cm cm

Width of pinto bean Bag B

cm cm cm cm cm

Length of sprout on pinto bean Bag B (if visible)

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

Length of lima bean Bag B

cm cm cm cm cm

Width of lima bean Bag B

cm cm cm cm cm

Length of sprout on lima bean Bag B (if visible)

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

 cm

b) Use the ruler to measure the length and width of each bean using centimeters (cm) and write in the chart labeled “Measurements Table”

a) Select beans to go into Bag A and Bag B

PROCEDURE #3

Fill the beaker ¼ full of water

(fill it up to the 50ml mark)

Your beakers have a line that says

150 50

Use the sinks at your lab bench to fill up the beaker with water.

PROCEDURE #4

Place (Bag A) one

lima bean seed and

one pinto bean seed

in the beaker of

water for 5 minutes.

(use the timer in your basket.)

PROCEDURE #5a) On bag #1 – use the sharpie and write your initials and write Bag A

b) On bag #2 – use the sharpie and write your initials and write Bag B

c) Place one piece of paper towel in Bag A

d) Place one piece of paper towel in Bag B

PROCEDURE #6 a) Use the medicine dropper to add enough water to moisten the paper towel in BAG A. (about 5 droppers full)

b) DO NOT add any water to Bag B.

c) Place the lima bean seed and the pinto bean seed that were soaking in the beaker of water on the paper towel in Bag A.

d) Separate the seeds and close the bag.

PROCEDURE #7a) Place the remaining

DRY seeds (one lima bean and one pinto bean) on the dry paper towel in BAG B.

b) Separate the seeds and close the bag.