A KS1 Activity

You will need:

• An empty egg box
• Potting compost
• Cress seeds
• Water

Science involved

This is a very simple cress growing activity, enabling children to see the pattern of growth in seedlings directly.

National Curriculum: KS1 Programme of Study

SC1 Scientific Enquiry, Investigative skills
3) Pupils should be taught:
h. to make simple comparisons and identify simple patterns or associations

SC2 Life Processes, Green Plants
3) Pupils should be taught:
to recognise that plants need light and water to grow

Procedure

• Place compost in each egg cavity in your egg box (fill to about 3/4 full)
• On Day 1 sow 10 seeds in the first cavity and cover with a thin layer of compost
• Add about 10ml (2 teaspoons) of water
• On Day 2, repeat the procedure for the second cavity, and so on . . .

Results and Evaluation

The result of this activity will be a living graph, showing how the height of the cress seedlings is directly related to the number of days of growing time.

Extensions

• A few days after cavity six has produced growing seedlings, each ‘cavity height’ could be measured and a graph plotted.
• Try two boxes, with one keep the lid closed
• Try different sized boxes
• Label the inside of the lid. Like a chocolate box
• Take a photograph to record a living bar chart
• With ten seeds, the average height can be found quite easily

Acknowlegement to: David E.Quinn, School of Education, University of Hertfordshire