The Preschooler

Little Bean in a Cup

I wouldn’t be too surprised to find that most adults could recall growing a bean sprout in a cup or old milk carton when they were in elementary school.  Children possess such a wondrous curiosity for the world around them, which is why growing a simple bean plant is so fascinating and so memorable.  And, although your own child will likely repeat the activity sometime during her school career, complete this mind-opening activity with her at home where you can witness the wonder unfold before her eyes and yours.

Stop by any store that sells plants, and you will likely find a wide selection of seed packets.  It may be tempting to pick something more colorful and frilly, but stick to a simple bean in order to witness rapid growth and almost guaranteed success.  Don’t forget to buy soil! (You can also use any dried bean you may have in your cupboard, but you will need to soak them overnight in a bowl of water before you continue with the experiment.)

With your child, follow the instructions on the packet for two or three beans each in its own cup.    Then, fold a paper towel so that it will fit inside a sandwich or quart-sized clear plastic bag.  Dampen the towel (but not dripping wet) and place it in the bag.  Place a bean on the paper towel about half way between the top and bottom of the bag.  Close the top of the bag, but leave a little bit of air in the bag.  The final step in preparation is to place the cups and bag in the sun.  Be sure to place the plastic bag with the paper towel side up.  This will help avoid molding, although it is still a possibility. (You can also carefully wrap the bean in the paper towel to help avoid molding, but it will be difficult to see the roots and shoots.)

Take time each day to have your child observe her beans.  Are they all growing at the same rate?  Do you see any roots on the bean in the bag?  Once the bean in the bag grows roots and green shoots, you can transfer the sprout to a cup with soil or just watch what happens in the bag.  Have your child draw a picture of the bean each time you see a major change or take a picture with your camera.  When interest has waned in the actual growth of the plants, create a book out of the drawings or pictures.

Digg Delicious Favorites Blogmarks Magnolia Google Newsvine Reddit Technorati

Written by Laura on February 23, 2010