Bean Plant

We are learning about plants in our classroom. During this time I like to have students do a bean plant. It is a fun way for students to examine the growth process. These bean plants grow quickly and students get excited to see whose is growing the fastest. I always assume that everyone knows how to do these plants, but every year I am reminded that this is not the case. I thought I would add this blog for anyone who has never done a bean plant and would like to try it.

Materials:
Plastic Zip-Loc Bag
Paper Towels - I like the brown paper towels from the school the best.
Masking Tape and Sharpie - Label each bag with students name.
Beans/Popcorn Kernels - Both pinto beans and popcorn kernels work well.
Water

Directions:
Students write their name on the masking tape and attach it to the plastic bag. Then they wet the paper towel. The towel needs to be wet, but not soaking wet and not just damp. Then students put the paper towels in the bags. I usually  have them keep it kind of crumpled up, but spread across the bottom. Then I have them place three beans on one side of the paper towel and three on the other. I don't have them seal the bag. As students finish their bags I attach them to the window to get sunlight.

The beans in the picture have been growing for 11 days. We began noticing growth after a few days, so students have been able to monitor their progress. I have had to add some additional water to bags that have become too dried out. This may be because either the student didn't initially use enough water or because I leave the bags unsealed.

On the 12 day, I decided it was time for the plants to go home. After taking down the plants I had students measure each of their bean plants, compare them to their partners plants, and discuss the growing process.

This is really a good project for both the students and their families. These plants takes very little time to do and yet students spend quite a bit of time observing, sharing, discussing and enjoying them.

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