Activity Overview
Introduce kids to the fascinating science of photosynthesis and gardening with the Beans in a Baggie Experiment. This experiment is performed in a clear plastic baggie which enables young scientists to watch the whole process of a sprouting bean from start to finish and when the bean has reached its growing potential within the confines of the baggie, it can be transplanted and grown in soil.
There are many varieties of beans and they all grow at different rates. Try using a variety of different beans in your baggies and observe the variations.
Materials Needed
- Ziplock sandwich bags
- Paper towels or dishrags
- Water
- Duck Tape
- A glass
- Dried beans or bean seeds
- A sunny window
- Stapler
How to Do It
- Soak beans overnight in a glass of water before starting this experiment.
- Fold a piece of paper towel or dishrag so that it fits snugly and flat inside the plastic ziplock baggie. Make certain that the absorbent material's edge touches the bottom of the baggie.
- Staple a line of staples about 1/4 of the way up from the bottom of the baggie/dishtowel.
- Add a small amount of water to the bag to saturate the towel inside the baggie.
- Place 4 -5 beans in the bag so that they rest on the line of staples that you made.
- While maintaining some air inside of the baggie, seal the zipper of the baggie.
- Tape the baggie to a sunny window in your home or classroom and check your beans regularly to observe what happens.
- Once your beans sprout and grow at least two well developed leaves, you can plant the seedlings in soil.
