All lessons › Living things and life cycles › Lesson 2
Australian primary science · Year 3 · Lesson 2 of 4
What do seeds need?
Inquiry question: What happens to a seed when it gets water and warmth?
Check practical materials
Observing over time
What students learn
Seeds are living. With water, air and warmth they germinate and grow into young plants.
Success criteria
- I can set up a seed so I can watch it grow.
- I can record what I see each day.
- I can describe how the seed changed.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know living things need water and air (lesson 1).
- Zip-lock bags — 13
- Paper towel — 13 sheets
- Bean seeds (soaked overnight) — 39 (3 per pair)
- Sticky tape and marker — 13
- Rulers — 13
Teacher setup
- Soak beans overnight.
- Choose a warm window to tape bags to.
Safety and adaptations
- Do not eat seeds.
- Wash hands after handling seeds.
- If mould grows, don’t open the bag: throw it away sealed. Never eat the beans (raw soaked beans can make you sick).
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Fold damp paper towel into the bag.
- Place three beans between towel and bag so you can see them.
- Label with your team and the date; tape to the window.
- Draw and write today’s observation.
- Each day, record changes and measure the longest root.
Teacher modelling prompt
Show a bag set-up. Model a first observation: “Day 1: the seed is smooth and fat. No root yet.” Model measuring a root with a ruler on a sample photo.
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: How does a bean seed change as it starts to grow?
| Day | What we observed | Longest root (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
How could we test who is right?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What does a seed need to start growing?
Explain with evidence: Why did we check the seeds every day instead of once?
Apply the idea: A farmer plants seeds in very dry soil. What might happen? Why?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.