Bean Plants

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Pre-K3 students learn about bean seeds and bean plant growth in a variety of ways. Keeping the information simple and basic, and ultilizing different methods of illustrating the concepts help students to understand the information. The students participate in hands-on science projects, reading, listening and music and movement.

Bean Seeds

Students had an opportunity to examine the seeds with a magnifying glass and discuss different kinds of beans they like to eat. The concept of bean seeds can be illustrated by having examples of green beans, lima beans, white, black,red and pinto beans for the preschoolers to examine. Fresh green bean pods were available for the students to open and examine.

Planting Activity

Students discuss what beans need to grow. Soil, water and sunlight should be the focus of the discussion. Each student places four seeds in a paper towel. Fold paper towel in half and use spray bottle to wet the paper towel. Place towel in ziploc bag and tape to window. Our discussion centered on how the sun warms the bean and how the sprouted bean leaves will reach up toward the sunlight.

Bean Stalk

While waiting for the beans to sprout, the students maintain interest by reading a preschool version of "Jack and the Bean Stalk" and other appropriate stories. Our music and movement activity included I Am a Seed. Students crouch on the floor imagining they are little beans in the ground. Teacher sprays them lightly with a spray bottle to water the beans. Sunlight is represented by dimming the lights and them turning them bright again. The children "grow" by standing up and reaching high. Playing music during this activity makies it more fun.

Leaves

We have a discussion about leaves and how they make energy for the bean plant from sunlight. Bean leaves are wide and flat, so they can gather lots of sunlight. Children can color leaf-shaped cut-outs green for a simle activity. The children hold these leaves in their hands when they do their growing activity.

Roots

Each day the students examine the plants on the window to see the roots grow. After one week the students plant in a styrofoam cup and bring them home. Students are encouraged to plant the beans at home.

                                                 I'm a little seed

                                                           Water me each day              

                                                   Watch me grow as I play