Seed to Fruit.....Tomato Is A Fruit?!?

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During their plant life cycle unit, third grade students studied tomato plants.  Growing tomato plants from seeds in their classrooms and transplanting to the school garden, students were able to observe their plants through the stages of the plants life cycle.  Students discussed the basic needs of plants and how all plants need adequate water and sunshine.  Overcrowding of the plants was prevented by thinning. 

Tomato Plant Life Cycle

A tomato plant begins life as a seed.  The seed becomes a sprout as it grows roots that reach into the soil and a stem that grows toward the sun.  As it grows taller, it becomes a mature plant with a strong stem and many leaves.  When the season is right, the mature plant grows flowers.  The flowers depend on pollinators like bees or butterflies to carry the pollen from flower to flower to complete the pollination process.  Students learned about the interdependence between the plants and the pollinators.  Once pollinated, the flowers mature into fruit that we call a tomato.  Inside each fruit are many new seeds that continue the life cycle of the plant.