Spring into Science!

Let’s think about plants…what do they need to grow? Plants need L.A.W.N.S: light, air, water, nutrients, and space to grow. Nebraska’s farmers serve a vital role in meeting plants’ needs because the availability of resources varies from one ecosystem to another. Use this twelve-day resource to watch four of Nebraska’s top crops grow in a glove!

Provide students with the Scientific Journal to follow along with each video link. The five videos below provide a daily update of each seed growing and feature facts about one seed each day.

After the fifth video is complete, share the photos of days 6 – 12 showing the growth of each seed.

Subject: What does a plant need to grow?
Content Area: Science (SC 2.7.2.A What does a plant need to grow?)

Scientific Journal

Use this journal as a guide for following seed growth. Make predictions and record observations over the course of twelve days.

Lesson 1: What Do Plants Need to Grow?

Nebraska farmers grow a variety of seeds in Nebraska. Join the journey of seed growth as we plant four of Nebraska’s top crops in our glove. Students will make predictions using a scientific journal as they watch seeds begin to germinate. After students have watched the video lesson, encourage them to look at the photos from Day One and record their observations in the Scientific Journal.

Lesson 2: Nebraska Corn

Continue learning about plant needs and discover the uses of Nebraska corn. Students will record their observations using the Scientific Journal as they continue to watch seeds germinate. After students have watched the video lesson, encourage them to look at the photos from Day Two and record their observations in the Scientific Journal.

Lesson 3: Nebraska Soybeans

Whether it’s food, fuel, or furniture, soybeans can be found anywhere you look! Students will record their observations using the Scientific Journal as they continue to watch seeds germinate and will learn more about Nebraska soybeans. After students have watched the video lesson, encourage them to look at the photos from Day Three and record their observations in the Scientific Journal.

Lesson 4: Nebraska Wheat

Grasp the importance of Nebraska wheat and record observations using the Scientific Journal as students continue to watch seeds germinate. After students have watched the video lesson, encourage them to look at the photos from Day Four and record their observations in the Scientific Journal.

Lesson 5: Nebraska Dry Edible Beans

Continue learning about plant needs and discover more about Dry Edible Beans. Students will record their observations using the Scientific Journal as they continue to watch seeds germinate. After students have watched the video lesson, encourage them to look at the photos from Day Five and record their observations in the Scientific Journal.

Journey On: Days Six through Twelve in Photos

Use the Scientific Journal for Day 6 through 12 to complete the observations of these seed’s growth. You can find the photos below for each day.