Inside a Seed

This lesson plan is designed for students to take apart a seed. As they take apart the seed they will examine each seed part with a magnifying glass.  After looking at each part through the magnifying glass they can discuss what each part is used for. Also, included on the website is great background information for the teacher.

Weblink address (URL): 
Inside a Seed

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • Learn how plants produce seeds
  • Observe what is inside a seed; identifying the embryo, endosperm, and seed coat.
  • Identify the difference between monocots and dicots 
Essential and guiding questions: 

Ask students: Why do plants produce seeds? (To reproduce their species) How are seeds produced? (Via the process of pollination. Explain that pollination is the process of moving pollen from one plant to another. It is through this process that plant reproduction happens.)

Give student’s pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Ask students to remove the seeds of the fruits and vegetables. Use Popsicle sticks to help remove and gather seeds. Tape the seeds to construction paper labeling the seeds by name. Discuss different sizes, and forms of seeds from fruits and vegetables. 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Students separate the seed cotyledons, leaving the plant embryo on only one cotyledon. Students will observe the embryo grow into a plant and will conclude that the cotyledon by itself does not contain right material to produce a new plant. 

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

For each student or team of students:

  • Bean and corn seeds (soaked overnight)
  • A magnifying glass
  • Toothpicks
  • Scissors
  • Paper plates 

References

Contributors: 
Christine Gillum
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation