Pea pods

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We did the pea pod experiment teach the lifecycle of plants by doing hands-on observation, measurement, disecction and experimentation. We used pea seeds, peat, garden soil and clear plastic cups. Second grade students planted the pea plants as seeds.  They soaked one set of seeds and opened them for dissection.  They drew pictures of each part and labeled the seed coat, embryo and food storage.  They planted the seeds and we discussed what each plant needs in order to grow.  After that, they planted the seeds in peat and we discussed how it is different than soil.  Once the seeds have sprouted we transplanted them.  The students carefully measured their plant's growth.  After they have grown about 5 inches, we talked about ways we can stress a few plants.  The extra plants that were planted were deprived of either light, space, water, air or soil.  A few plants were over watered or given too much light, space or soil (buried).  We compared the stressed plants growth to their plants after a few days.  Observations weare made about the way plants grow when stressed and students then returned them to regular conditions.

After about 8 weeks the pea plants bloom white flowers.  From those blooms the students get to see the pea pod develop.  We investigated the pea pods and talked about the importance of a flower.  Stalks were staked to help them stand up.