Seeds of Life

Where do plants come from? How did they grow out from the ground?

Babies come from mothers. At first, they grow inside the mother’s womb and come out into this world when they are big enough. Ok, so how about plants?

Seeds are found in fruits, such as an apple. When seeds drop to the ground, and with favourable conditions, they will begin to germinate. Germination is a process of tiny buds and roots sprouting from the seed. The tiny buds will grow upwards out from the soil and develop into stems and leaves. On the other hand, the roots will grow downwards deeper into the soil in search for water and minerals. This process requires energy that is stored inside the seed. Once the plant is mature enough, it will start producing its own fruits and the cycle continues.

Did you know that beans are a type of seed? They are rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, folate and iron. Green beans, along with coconut milk, are what make your bowl of bubur kacang hijau yummy, and kidney beans are one of the ingredients in a delicious bowl of ABC.

Experiment: Seed germination

Materials: 

green beans, tissue paper, small glass container.

Steps: 

1. Dampen a few pieces of tissue paper and insert them into the glass container. 

2. Place a few green beans at the sides of the inside of the container so that they are visible.

3. Leave it for several days.

4. Ensure the tissue papers are always damp by spraying water into the container. Do not overwater.

5. After a few days, notice the tiny roots and buds emerging from the seeds. 

Fact: The seeds from tomato that has been stored up to three years will still be able to germinate. 

Glossary of terms:

Germinate [jur-muh-neyt] to develop into a plant, sprout.

Womb [woom] the uterus of the human female and higher mammals.

Folate [foh-leyt] a form of vitamin B.

Iron [ahy-ern]a type of mineral for forming healthy blood.

Shared by Surain A. Victor

Guest Blogger