Jacks (and Jills) and their Beanstalks

About a week ago, we started several experiments to explore more about the needs of plants. There have been many changes and lots of learning taking place, so here is the update!

We did an experiment to see if plants really do need water to live. We had two identical plants and put them on the windowsill. One was watered and the other one was wasn't: 

"Plants need water and that's that."

We also had two identical plants which we watered regularly. We placed one on the windowsill and one in a dark cupboard, and explored how important light is to a plant. Unfortunately both plants died, and when we inspected further we noticed that the roots were loose and barely covered in dirt. We decided to restart this experiment, and are currently waiting for two cups of grass to grow before starting over. (This has nothing to do with the fact that Mrs. Beliveau's thumbs are every colour BUT green ... wink, wink).

We planted grass seed in various things, including sand, dirt, cotton balls, and rice. We found that although the grass grew in the soil and sand both very well, the grass in the sandy cup eventually died. Surprisingly, the grass grew around the cotton and we also noticed a few hardy sprouts in the rice. Verdict? Soil is best!

We explored how plants transport water, and did two experiments with coloured water. Celery was placed in coloured water and the leaves quickly turned red or blue (within a few hours!). The white carnations took a bit longer, but they turned different colours as well. Water moves throughout a plant!

We also enjoyed growing bean seeds on our windowsill. We planted seeds in plastic cups by tucking the seed against the side of the cup using wet paper towels. This allowed us to watch the plant as it grew, kind of like a little window. Daily watering was key!

We have learned oodles about plants and what they need to grow! So why does Mrs. Beliveau's backyard grass looks so patchy?