Do Plants Need Water? Investigation

Supports this milestone

• plans and conducts investigations and experiments. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

• Two clear cups or small pots labeled "water" and "no water"
• Fast-sprouting seeds, such as beans or grass seed
• Potting soil
• A small watering can or cup of water
• A simple observation sheet with boxes for daily drawings

Steps

• Together, name the materials needed and the steps you will follow.
• Help children fill both cups with soil and plant the same number of seeds in each.
• Water only the cup labeled "water" and decide together to keep watering it each day.
• Have children record what the cups look like today with a drawing on the observation sheet.
• Over the following days, water the "water" cup and add a new drawing each time to track changes.

Variations

• Test light instead of water by placing one cup in a dark cupboard and one by a window.
• Make a class graph counting how many seeds sprouted in each cup.

Differentiation

• For younger children, focus on planting and daily watering with picture step-cards.
• For older children, invite them to list the materials and steps before starting.

Accessibility

• Offer picture step-cards so children can follow the procedure visually.
• Let children record by placing stickers or stamps instead of drawing.

Safety

• Supervise so seeds and soil are not eaten; wash hands after handling soil.
• Use non-toxic seeds that are safe in a classroom.

Practices these skills

• Plans and Conducts Investigations

Evidence

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (4th ed.) — National Association for the Education of Young Children · 2022 · National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)