seeds
• Seeds need water and warmth to grow
(germination of seeds)

• Identify the key conditions necessary for plants to grow, such as light, water, air (oxygen and carbon dioxide), and warmth (suitable temperature).

• Explain why each condition is important for plant growth. For example:

  • Light is needed for photosynthesis, the process plants use to make food.

  • Water helps transport nutrients and supports the plant structure.

  • Air provides carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and oxygen for respiration.

  • Warmth is needed for seed germination and enzyme activity inside the plant.

• Describe how new plants can grow from seeds and cuttings, and what conditions help seeds to germinate.

• Observe and possibly conduct simple experiments or activities to see how plants react when one or more growth conditions are missing (e.g., a plant kept in the dark or without water).

1. Take 3 to 5 bean seeds (or any easy-to-grow seeds) and place them between two wet paper towels.

2. Put the paper towels with the seeds inside a clear plastic bag or a container that keeps the seeds moist.

3. Place the bag or container in a warm spot, like on a windowsill where it can get indirect sunlight.

4. Check your seeds every day to make sure the paper towels stay moist.

5. Observe the seeds over the next 5 to 7 days. Write down or draw what you see each day (for example, the seed swelling, the root starting to grow, the shoot coming out).

6. Try to describe what conditions you think helped the seeds to grow and what might happen if seeds don’t get enough water or warmth.

Materials Needed:

• 3 small pots or containers

• Soil

• 3 bean seeds (or any quick-growing seeds)

• Water

• A dark box or cupboard (to block light)

• A place with sunlight

• Plastic bag (optional)

Steps:

1. Fill each pot with soil and plant one seed in each pot at the same depth.

2. Place the first pot in a sunny spot and water it regularly.

3. Place the second pot in a dark place (like inside a cupboard) and water it regularly.

4. Place the third pot in the sunny spot but do not water it.

5. Observe all three pots daily for 1-2 weeks.

Questions to Discuss or Write About:

• Which seed grows best? Why?

• What happens to the seed in the dark?

• What happens to the seed without water?

• Why do you think plants need light and water to grow?

• What might happen if a plant doesn’t get air? (You can explain this after the activity.)

Learning Outcome:
Learners will see that plants need light, water, and air to grow well. Without one of these, the plant’s growth will be poor or stopped.

Natural Sciences and Technology

Life and Living

Week:1

Duration of lesson: 60 minutes

CAPS p.17