Bean seeds are excellent for teaching botany. In the classroom, I have fourth graders soak bean seeds for a couple of hours in water. This allows the thin seed coat to peel off easily and expose two kidney-shaped food storage structures called cotyledons. Next, the students separate the two halves, or cotyledons. On one half, the embryo can be seen along with a pair of tiny leaves. The tiny plant and its food supply remain dormant until the time of germination.
When the conditions are right, a short period of intense activity and growth begins, unlike any other time in the life of the plant. During germination, the embryo contained in the seed grows into a young plant called a seedling. The seedling will use the food stored in the cotyledons to grow its emerging stem and roots. Once the tiny leaves push through the soil, germination officially ends. The plant will now use its roots to absorb water and minerals, and its leaves to produce all the food it needs through photosynthesis. At this stage, the plant becomes an independent organism.
Just like a newly emerged bean plant, fourth graders have the essential parts to grow – roots to absorb basic skills, and a stem that reaches upward with curiosity, confidence, and adaptability. The plant absorbs water and nutrients to thrive, just as a child absorbs knowledge and experiences. As the plant stretches toward the light, the child stretches toward understanding, each day unfolding new leaves to experience the world.
In future posts, topics within this bog will focus on strategies to raise achievement. The “how” of teaching and learning.
