Sleeping Seed

This STEM activity is suitable for preschool and elementary school levels. Many children today misinterpret or have different interpretations of the soil-plant relationship. In this context, the primary goal of the activity is to increase children's awareness of this topic. Before the activity, the following story should be read with the children, drawing attention to the activity. Afterwards, ask the children for their ideas on "What will Tako and Ruka do?" and then proceed with the activity.

Objectives of the Activity:

leaf Directing children's interests towards nature

leaf Contributing to the awareness of "Nature" and "Environment" among children

leaf Increasing children's sensitivity to living and non-living entities around them

leaf Providing children with knowledge about plants and plant growth

leaf Instilling in children the impulse to advocate for the right to life and conservation of living beings

Once Upon a Story

It was springtime. Colorful flowers and lush green trees adorned everything. The sky was deep blue. A cool breeze gently blew, cooling Tako, who was reading a book under the sun, and Ruka, who was watching butterflies on the flowers. Tako's book was about plants. There are all kinds of plants in the world, and some plants have fruits. There were so many different and colorful fruits that Tako was amazed. He wanted to finish reading his book quickly. Maybe he could ask Obu for some seeds of these plants.

While Tako was deeply engrossed in his book, Ruka couldn't resist and came over to Tako. Tako opened the book and showed it to Ruka.

Look, Ruka, there are so many different plants and fruits here.

Yes, I noticed. Since we came to the garden, you've been immersed in your book. You haven't paid any attention to me!

Don't be mad, my dear friend. I can't spend all day playing games. I need to read, I need to rest, these are all things that need to be done in a day. Besides, the book I'm reading is very interesting. Look at these fruits. They look so tempting!

If you really want them, let's go buy some from the market, Tako. After all, your markets grow every fruit!

They grow there? In the market? Ruka, fruits and vegetables don't grow in the market!

What do you mean? If those fruits and vegetables don't grow in the market, where do they get all those fruits from?

Hahaha! My surprised friend. Plants don't grow in markets; they grow in soil. People plant seeds in what we call fields, the dormant seeds wake up and turn into plants. Some bear fruits, and some turn into vegetables. Then the market goes and buys those vegetables and fruits and brings them to their stores to sell!

I can't believe it. I thought all this time that those plants grow in the markets!

We might have some misconceptions, Ruka. Besides, you're new to these parts. It's not bad not to know, but it's bad not to learn. Come on, let's get up and do an experiment together. You'll understand too! Let's ask Obu for a few fruit seeds first. Come on, get up...

Tako took his book, found Obu with Ruka right away, and asked him for a few seeds. Tako put on his lab coat and gathered the remaining materials, and they started the experiment. Let's do the same experiment with them. Will it be okay?

Materials

Plastic Cup Plant Seeds Soil Water Paper Towel

Activity

Step I

Distribute the seeds to the children and ask them to examine them. Then tear off a few pieces of paper towel and crumple them into small balls. Now we need to moisten these paper balls slowly. Without pouring water on them, moisten our paper balls by wetting our hands, and place the prepared balls in a transparent glass or plastic cup.

Step II

In the second step, gently place the seeds between the wetted paper towel and the outside of the cup, where they will be visible and not move easily. This way, the seeds will stay fixed on the ground, receive sunlight, and meet their water needs for germination. We need to moisten the paper towel enough to keep it moistened once a day. Be careful not to pour too much water, there should be no water at the bottom of the cup.

Step III

After a few days, you will see leaves and roots coming out of our seeds. Isn't that amazing? If you can't see the roots and the color of your seeds is changing, your seeds won't germinate. The seed should always appear green. If there is discoloration, it may be dead. If you see leaves, you are on the right track!

Step IV

Congratulations. We all have baby plants now. Their names are actually seedlings. Now it's time to meet these seedlings with soil. Put red soil in an old yogurt container or an old glass. Do not press too hard, the soil should be slightly aerated. Plant our seedlings gently into the soil without damaging their roots. Remember, their roots should be below. If you continue to water regularly, your plant will grow big!

What's Happening?

Beans, chickpeas, or corn are actually dormant seeds. If you provide the right amount of sunlight and water, they start to transform into small plants called seedlings. They extend their white, thread-like roots towards the soil, absorb nutrients, and extend their leaves upwards to receive more sunlight. If you plant the seedlings in the soil and continue to care for them, they will turn into large plants.

Attention!

This activity takes about 2 weeks to complete. Seedlings can be given to interested students, or used to create a small garden field around the school.

New seeds can be obtained from growing plants and used in different activities.

It's important for students to examine the seeds to be planted. They should understand that plants produce many more seeds than can be planted, and we rely on some of these extra seeds for our own nourishment.

Not all seeds will be eaten; some are meant only for planting.

Peppers and Seeds

Assessment Questions

leaf Which seeds did we plant?

leaf What similarities and differences were there among the seeds?

leaf What happened before and after the germination process of the seeds?

leaf What did we do to facilitate germination?

leaf Which ones germinated?

leaf Which seed did not germinate?

leaf Among the germinated seeds, which one sprouted the fastest?

leaf What did you feel during the germination process?

leaf Have you grown plants before?

leaf What should we pay attention to when growing plants?

leaf Do you think plants have a right to live?

leaf In your opinion, what is the importance of light for plants?

leaf Do you think every type of light provides the same benefit to plants?

Activity File

Scientific Concepts

Scientific concepts related to this activity include: Tohum (Seed), Kök (Root), Yaprak (Leaf), Fotosentez (Photosynthesis), and Fide (Seedling). You can explore these concepts further through your own research to discover interesting insights!