Sensational Seeds

[20 Minutes]

It’s amazing what grows from seeds: trees, grasses, flowers, fruits and vegetables. There are thousands of kinds of seeds that grow in different climates all over the world. Some seeds are big and some seeds are tiny. All seeds grow in basically the same way. Try this experiment and eat the results.

You'll need:

• alfalfa seeds • clear plastic soft drink bottles • craft knife (ADULT ONLY) • cheesecloth or dish towel • elastic or string • water

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
2. With your child, gather everything you’ll need.
3. Use the craft knife to cut off the top of the soft drink bottle.
4. Let your child place two tablespoons of seeds in each soft drink bottle. Cover the seeds with water and soak overnight.
5. The next day, drain the water thoroughly and cover the top of the bottle with cheesecloth or a dish towel. Secure with an elastic or string. Leave the container in a warm, dark place overnight.
6. Let your child rinse seeds with water twice daily, draining well after each rinsing.
7. After three to five days the sprouts should be ready to eat. Put your sprouts on sandwiches or salads. They’re yummy!

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What made the seeds grow?
• Why didn't these seeds need soil?
• What other seeds do you think could grow this way?

Useful information:

You may wonder how a hard little seed, that looks lifeless, could grow into a plant, vegetable, or flower. Where do the roots and the stems come from? Under the hard outside coating of the seed is a baby plant made of cells. Some cells will grow into the roots and some will grow into the leaves. There are even tiny amounts of food already stored in the seed. What gets the seed going is water. The food in the seed cannot be used until it is dissolved by water. The seed absorbs the water and the outer coat softens. Now the plant inside can burst through the seed and grow. When all the food inside is used, the newly sprouted roots, stem and leaves will help feed the plant so it continues to grow.