Come Grow With Us

Mrs. McGowan's Class

Lima Bean Seeds Observation

 

Amaryllis

Our plant study started in the fall with students making plant posters from magazine pictures. Next, we tried to grow an amaryllis bulb from a kit.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum): The amaryllis comes in many beautiful varieties including various shades of red, white, pink, salmon and orange. There are also many striped and multicolored varieties, usually combining shades of pink or red with white.

Water had to be added to the bulb and soil. Then we waited until we started to see some growth. When it finally began to grow, students were able to measure the stem each school day. Wow! It grew at least 2 cm. every day!

tall red amaryllis

Tall red amaryllis

close up of red amaryllis flowers

Close-up of red amaryllis flowers

We grew a second bulb to see if it would be similar or different. You can see it almost fully grown in this picture.

amaryllis

Amaryllis bulb

amaryllis

Tall amaryllis plant with buds

Bean Seeds

We also grew bean seeds. Unfortunately all the pictures were deleted from the camera (teacher's fault). These are images of seeds we grew last year. Students observed dry and soaked bean seeds. They completed a chart showing their data for color, size, texture, smell. Seeds were placed in baggies with damp paper toweling and hung on our bulletin board to germinate.

After a few days, roots started to grow, When we could see a stem, the seedlings were taken out of the baggies and planted in potting soil. Students took their plants home to continue growing.

Seedling in a cup

Plants with leaves

Visit this terrific website describing the stages of bean seed growth.

Our class learned that there is a tiny plant inside the seed. Some of us were able to see it when a soaked seed was opened. The roots grow down and the stem grows up. The plant leans toward the light so you have to turn the pot to help it grow straight. It needs water but not too much.

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