Sunflower Scientists: Grow a Sunflower in a Bag

Materials Needed

• 1 sunflower seed per learner, plus a few extra
• 1 clear, resealable plastic bag
• 1 paper towel
• Water in a cup or spray bottle
• Marker and labels
• Tape
• Notebook, science journal, or digital document
• Ruler
• Calendar
• Optional: magnifying glass, colored pencils, tablet or camera, sunflower photograph or real sunflower
• Optional for later planting: small pot, potting soil, and a sunny outdoor location

Lesson Overview

Age: 11 years

Suggested time: 45–60 minutes for the lesson, followed by 5–10 minutes of observation each day

Big idea: A seed contains a tiny plant. With water, air, warmth, and time, it can begin to grow.

Real-world connection: Gardeners, farmers, and scientists observe plants carefully to learn what helps them grow.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

• Identify at least three parts or stages of a sunflower’s life cycle.
• Explain what a seed needs to begin germinating: water, air, and suitable warmth.
• Set up a sunflower seed in a bag using clear, ordered steps.
• Make and record observations using words, numbers, labels, drawings, or voice recordings.
• Use evidence from observations to describe how the seed changes over time.

Success Criteria

The learner is successful when they can:

• Place a damp, not dripping, paper towel in the bag.
• Position the seed where it can be seen.
• Leave some air in the bag and place it in a warm, safe location.
• Record the date and at least one observation each day.
• Explain that the root usually appears first and that the shoot grows upward.

Introduction: Hook and Objectives

Hook: “What Is Inside the Seed?”

1. Show the learner a sunflower seed.
2. Ask: “How can something so small grow into a tall plant with a large flower?”
3. Invite the learner to gently examine the seed. They may look at it with a magnifying glass, touch it, or describe it aloud.
4. Ask the learner to predict what will appear first: a root, a leaf, or a flower.
5. Explain: “Today, you will become a plant scientist. You will set up an experiment and observe a sunflower seed as it begins to grow.”

Share the Learning Targets

Say:

“Today we will learn what seeds need to start growing. We will set up a sunflower seed in a bag, observe changes, and record evidence like scientists.”

Part 1: Learn About Sunflowers

Sunflower Facts

• A sunflower begins life as a seed.
• The seed coat protects the tiny plant inside.
• Germination means that a seed begins to grow.
• The first part to appear is usually the root. It grows downward and takes in water.
• The shoot grows upward. It may later develop into a stem and leaves.
• Sunflowers need sunlight after their shoots and leaves begin to grow.
• Sunflowers are living plants, so they need water, air, light, space, and nutrients as they continue growing.

Think-Pair-Share or Talk-Aloud

Ask the learner to think quietly, discuss with a family member or partner, and then share an answer:

• Why do you think a root grows downward?
• Why does the shoot grow upward?
• What might happen if the seed has too much water?
• Where would be a good place to keep the bag?

Quick Check

Ask the learner to complete these sentences verbally, by pointing to a word card, or by typing:

• “Germination means…”
• “The root helps the plant by…”
• “A seed needs ______, ______, and ______ to begin growing.”

Part 2: I Do — Model the Investigation

Teacher or Adult Demonstration

Model each step slowly. Keep the materials visible and show one step at a time.

1. Label the bag. Write the learner’s name and the date on the bag.
2. Dampen the paper towel. Add enough water to make it moist. Gently squeeze out extra water if needed. It should not be dripping.
3. Place the towel in the bag. Fold or slide it into the clear bag.
4. Add the seed. Place the sunflower seed between the paper towel and the front of the bag so it can be seen.
5. Leave some air inside. Close the bag most of the way, but leave a small opening for air, unless the bag is designed to allow air exchange.
6. Choose a location. Tape the bag to a window or place it in a warm spot with indirect light. Avoid very hot, cold, or unsafe locations.
7. Make the first observation. Record the date, the seed’s appearance, and a prediction about what will happen next.

Model a Science Observation

Show the difference between a weak and a strong observation:

• Weak: “The seed looks different.”
• Strong: “The seed is brown and oval. The shell feels hard. I predict that a white root will appear first.”

Part 3: We Do — Set Up the Sunflower Seed

Complete the investigation together. The learner may do each step independently, follow a picture-free written checklist, or listen to the adult read one step at a time.

Investigation Checklist

• The bag has a name and date.
• The paper towel is damp, not dripping.
• The seed can be seen through the bag.
• Some air remains in the bag.
• The bag is in a safe, warm location.
• The first observation has been recorded.

Prediction Questions

Invite the learner to choose one or more questions to answer:

• How many days will it take for the root to appear?
• Which direction will the root grow?
• Which direction will the shoot grow?
• How long will the root be after one week?

Formative Assessment

Ask the learner to explain the procedure in their own words. Listen for these important ideas:

• The towel should be damp, not soaked.
• The seed should be visible.
• The bag needs air and warmth.
• Observations should be recorded over several days.

Part 4: You Do — Observe Like a Scientist

For the next 7–14 days, observe the seed once each day at about the same time. Do not open the bag unless the towel becomes very dry or mold appears.

Daily Observation Choices

The learner may choose one or more ways to record each observation:

• Write one or two sentences.
• Draw and label the seed, root, or shoot.
• Measure the root or shoot with a ruler.
• Take a photograph or short video.
• Record an audio note.
• Use speech-to-text to dictate an observation.
• Place a check mark beside changes on a chart.

Observation Log

Day and Date	What I Notice	Measurement	My Next Prediction
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:

Helpful Sentence Starters

• “Today I noticed…”
• “The root is growing…”
• “The shoot is pointing…”
• “Compared with yesterday…”
• “My evidence is…”
• “I predict that…”

Part 5: Analyze the Results

After several days, discuss the observations. The learner may answer by speaking, typing, drawing, or recording an audio response.

Discussion Questions

1. What changed first?
2. Did the root or shoot appear first?
3. Which direction did the root grow? What might explain this?
4. Which direction did the shoot grow? What might explain this?
5. Did your prediction match what happened?
6. What evidence shows that the seed is alive?
7. What could happen if the bag were too dry, too wet, too cold, or kept in complete darkness?

Optional Mini-Experiment

If extra seeds are available, compare two conditions:

• Seed A: damp paper towel and warmth
• Seed B: dry paper towel or a cooler location

Ask the learner to predict which seed will germinate first. Remind the learner to change only one condition at a time so the comparison is fair.

Part 6: Apply the Learning

Choose One Sunflower Project

Give the learner a choice of final task:

1. Life-Cycle Wheel: Create a circle showing seed, germinating seed, seedling, mature plant, flower, and new seeds.
2. Scientist Report: Explain the investigation, results, and conclusion in a short written, typed, or recorded report.
3. Sunflower Care Guide: Make a guide for a new gardener explaining how to care for a sunflower.
4. Time-Lapse Story: Use drawings, photographs, or short video clips to show the seed’s changes.
5. Plant Design Challenge: Design a safe place for a sunflower to grow. Include sunlight, water, soil, space, and protection from damage.

Suggested Report Frame

The learner may complete these sentences:

• “My question was…”
• “My prediction was…”
• “I placed the seed…”
• “The first change I observed was…”
• “My evidence shows…”
• “I learned that seeds need…”
• “If I repeated this investigation, I would…”

Dyslexia-Friendly Supports

• Use a clear, readable font and large spacing. Avoid crowded worksheets.
• Read instructions aloud while the learner follows one step at a time.
• Give a short checklist instead of a long paragraph of directions.
• Preteach important vocabulary: seed coat, root, shoot, germination, seedling, observe, predict, evidence.
• Allow the learner to hear or say an answer before reading or writing it.
• Use repeated language, such as: “Root down, shoot up.”
• Offer audio recording, speech-to-text, typing, or dictation as alternatives to handwriting.
• Provide extra processing time and praise accurate thinking rather than reading speed.
• Let the learner use a ruler, real seed, and bag while listening to explanations.

Dysgraphia-Friendly Supports

• Reduce copying. Provide printed labels or allow the learner to select labels from word cards.
• Use a digital observation log or voice recordings.
• Accept labeled drawings, check marks, numbers, photographs, and oral explanations.
• Allow a larger writing surface, pencil grip, slant board, or keyboard if helpful.
• Separate the science goal from the handwriting goal. Assess understanding, not neatness.
• Use sentence starters and fill-in-the-blank responses.
• Let the learner dictate while an adult types or writes exactly what the learner says.
• Offer frequent movement breaks during observations and recording.

Differentiation

For Additional Support

• Prepare the bag materials in order before beginning.
• Use only three key vocabulary words at first: seed, root, and shoot.
• Have the learner choose answers from two options before asking open-ended questions.
• Complete the first observation together.
• Measure only the root or use “shorter,” “longer,” and “same” instead of exact measurements.

For Additional Challenge

• Graph root or shoot length over time.
• Calculate the average daily growth.
• Design a fair test comparing light, temperature, or water conditions.
• Research why sunflower heads turn toward light when they are young.
• Investigate how sunflower seeds are used as food or how sunflowers support pollinators.
• Write a conclusion that includes a claim, evidence, and reasoning.

Safety and Care Notes

• Wash hands after handling seeds, water, soil, or plant material.
• Do not eat the seed unless it is labeled and prepared as food.
• Keep the bag away from very hot sunlight, heaters, pets, and small children.
• If mold appears, dispose of the seed and paper towel, wash hands, and start again with fresh materials.
• When roots and shoots are strong enough, transplant the seedling carefully into soil. Handle the root gently.

Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Prediction before the experiment
• Answers during the sunflower facts discussion
• Procedure checklist while setting up the bag
• Daily observation log
• Questions about the direction and growth of the root and shoot

Summative Assessment

Use the learner’s chosen final project and discussion to assess understanding.

Skill	Meets the Goal	Still Practicing
Science knowledge	Explains germination and identifies the root and shoot.	Needs help explaining the stages or plant parts.
Investigation setup	Sets up the seed with moisture, air, warmth, and visibility.	Needs reminders about one or more setup steps.
Observation	Records clear changes using words, numbers, drawings, photos, or audio.	Records few details or needs frequent prompting.
Evidence and reasoning	Uses observations to explain what happened and why.	Describes changes but needs help connecting them to evidence.

Conclusion: Closure and Recap

1. Ask the learner to share one surprising fact about sunflowers.
2. Ask: “What does a seed need to begin germinating?”
3. Ask: “What usually appears first, the root or the shoot?”
4. Have the learner complete this final statement orally, in writing, or by recording it:

“A sunflower seed begins to grow when it has water, air, and suitable warmth. I know this because I observed…”

Finish by reviewing the main idea:

“Today we learned that a tiny seed contains a living plant. By setting up a careful investigation and observing each day, we can see the beginning of a sunflower’s life cycle.”

Optional Follow-Up

When the seedling has developed a healthy root and shoot, plant it in soil. Continue recording its height, number of leaves, and changes until it becomes a young sunflower plant.