A seed contains a young plant and stored food. Roots anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals. A stem supports the plant and transports materials. Leaves use light to help make food. Some parts may not be visible yet.
With a grown-up: use untreated planting beans; do not eat seeds or sprouts. Keep small seeds away from younger children. Wash hands after handling. An adult should discard any mouldy setup.
Read the complete activity guide ↗
Explore before you start.
A plant has different parts with different jobs. Observing the real plant and explaining those jobs helps connect words with living things.
Look at the picture, talk about what you notice, then use the drawing and writing spaces below. Open the picture for a closer look.
Seed: a small beginning
A bean seed contains a young plant and a food store. Its coat protects what is inside. Look for the coat splitting as germination begins.
Roots: below the surface
Roots anchor the plant and take in water and minerals. Look through the cup for a main root and smaller branches. Do not pull the seedling out to inspect it.
Stem: support and transport
The stem holds leaves up and carries water, minerals and sugars between parts of the plant. Trace it with your eyes from the base toward the leaves.
Leaves: using light
Leaves use light, water and carbon dioxide to make sugars that support growth. Look for their edges and branching veins, and count how many you can see.
Use a finger, stylus or mouse in each drawing box. Type below it, or ask a grown-up to write your words. Your work stays in this tab. Save before refreshing or leaving.
Choose a part
Word bank: seed · root · stem · leaf. Draw one part you can see.
Choose another part
Draw a different part and describe its job.
Look below the surface
If the roots are visible through your cup, draw them. Do not pull up the plant.
Your ideas belong here. There is no score.
What are we learning?
A plant has different parts with different jobs. Observing the real plant and explaining those jobs helps connect words with living things.
Prefer a worksheet?
Open the individual cartoon activity sheet to print or save. Use portrait orientation and fit to page.
Open worksheet to save ↓Try another little investigation.
01How to Grow a BeanSet up a tiny science project with a grown-up. Make a prediction, then check your bean each day.
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02My Plant DiaryLook at the same bean over several days. Record what you actually see—even if nothing has changed yet.
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03How Tall Is Your Plant?Once your seedling is planted in soil, measure its height and compare your records.
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04My Bean LeafBecome a leaf detective. Look gently and leave the leaf attached to the plant.
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05Life Cycle of a Bean PlantFollow a bean from seed to new seeds. Use the picture cards, then explain the changes in your own words.
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06Decorate Your PlantDesign an imaginary plant with leaves, flowers, pods and seeds. Draw on screen or use the printable cutouts.
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