6 Classroom Activities to Teach Parts of a Seed
The parts of a seed is something that I love teaching about because it has to do with spring and my love of flowers! This is a fun topic to cover because students get to watch plants grow and prosper right in class! I love to garden (the thought of it), and watching the kids plant their own seeds and flowers always puts a smile on my face!
Here are some ideas you can use in your class. I have included a lot of information so be sure to read to the end! The worksheets and activities are from my plants and seeds activity pack in my store.
Anchor Charts
When talking about plants I usually start by discussing living vs. nonliving. Here are two anchor charts that I created for that.
Needs of a Plant Video
Next, we talk about the needs of a plant. I love playing this corny, but catchy, video for the kids to watch on the projector. After that, the kids make a new cover page in their notebooks. I usually have the class copy down an anchor chart into their journal, either while I’m teaching as notes, or after during centers or extension work.
The kids like to recreate the anchor chart in their journal because I let them color and make it their own. They will jot down connections they have and sometimes add pictures that help them remember what we talked about during whole group. Be sure to check out this blog post that talks more in depth about the entire plant life cycle!
Vocabulary
For vocabulary, I show the class our mini vocab posters either by printing them and laminating, or pulling up my PDF and displaying it on the board. On days when I have extra time, I will have the kids use the vocab cards as a write the room activity and complete the foldable. I have students draw their own pictures and copy down the definition in their notebook.
Seed Dissection
The next day is much more exciting. I have the kids get their hands dirty by dissecting a seed. I pass out a lima bean and show students how to break it open. We talk about the different parts and I make an anchor chart to display around the room.
Next, I have students label their copy of the diagram and glue into their notebook. After students have labeled their diagram, I pass out the “Parts of a Seed” foldable and talk about the purpose of each part. The class draws pictures and writes what they have learned.
Plant Some Seeds
Once everyone is finished, we plant our own seeds to observe and watch them grow throughout the weeks to come. I like to pick a hardy plant that grows quick and requires low maintenance. Beans are always a good choice. I have herd marigolds are too. If you time this lesson right, you could plant a pretty flower and at the end use the flower as a mother’s day gift.
Parts of a Seed Journal
I have the kids create a seed journal and write their observations down every other day.
Grab a copy of the activities, resources, and lesson plans in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop for easy planning.
Happy Teaching!
Sarah
