Mad Science Monday: Sprout House Science Results & Observations

Last Mad Science Monday I introduced you to some swell seed science experiments and this morning, the Sprout Scouts were busy at their journals recording observations and results from our incredible Sprout House experiment. We "built" our sprout houses with my nature based playgroup about a week and a half ago. S chose to "plant" a butter bean. Y picked a red kidney bean. I planted a butter bean as well. They both hung their sprout houses (with my help) on our dining room window, which gets quite a bit of sunlight--especially in the afternoon. I hung my sprout house above the kids' table, away from direct sunlight.


This simple science experiment never ceases to amaze me and kids of of all ages can appreciate the miracle of seed germination. One aspect of longer term science experiments that is often overlooked is the process of recording your observations and results. Certainly S and Y (and particularly C) are at varying levels of writing and discussing scientific observations, but we start early here! Even if writing or drawing and dictating scientific observations are not your kids' thing right now (or ever), taking the time to discuss what you see and using "real" scientific language can really go a long way in building vocabulary and literacy around scientific method. Beyond that, it encourages the critical thinking skills that are the driving force to scientific discovery throughout life.

The boys' sprout houses, about a week ago...

My sprout house, about a week ago

S is very into representational drawings now and will eagerly draw what he sees and thinks. He is hesitant toward writing independently and still prefers to have me write his dictation. He recently got these GeoSafari Jr. Bugnoculars for his birthday and they worked amazingly well to get a closer look at our sprouted beans!

Check out the roots and sprout on this butter bean--and it was the one hung away from direct sunlight.
It has, by far, the longest roots!

Y is eager to doodle and participate in that way in his journal. He loved looking through the Bugnoculars as well. Using this opportunity to talk about seed germination and parts of the process of scientific method is helpful for both boys. And C took the opportunity to squeeze in a morning nap before we all headed to the library for a story time and to check out some books for the week.

Building a lifelong love of science often stems from experiments and activities that provide an immediate WOW factor (think baking soda and vinegar). Just as valuable and important are the science experiences that occur over time--over the course of hours, days, weeks, even seasons. And children--even young children--can truly withstand the wait factor. They are just as WOWed, if not more so, by the miracles of nature and science that take time to reveal themselves. And so is the wonder of a single seed!

Happy Playing!