Praxis: Seed science

By Medicine Hat News on March 17, 2018.

With the warmer weather this week, I am hopeful that spring is not far away. As the days begin to feel longer with more sunlight I begin to think about my garden and what I should grow in it. Unfortunately, it is still much too cold out to start gardening outside, but in order to satisfy my green thumb, I thought I would start growing something inside. Of course, the project has to be useful, so I am going to grow some sprouts for my sandwiches — yummmmmy! Let’s get started.

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– four soft sponges (make sure you get the natural feeling variety)

– sprout seeds (I like chia, mustard or alfalfa)

– water in a clean food safe spray bottle

– plate

– toothpicks or wooden skewers

– scissors

Procedure

1. Assemble the sponges into a fun shape — use your imagination. Cut them up or leave them the shape they came in. Make a tree, a house or a teepee, the possibilities are endless! As you are assembling it, secure the sponges in place with toothpicks.

2. Place your creation on the plate.

3. Using the spray bottle, mist the sponges well. You want them to be quite damp.

4. Sprinkle your seeds all over your art creation. Place them where you would like the sprouts to come up. You could place them on the bottom to look like “grass” or how about on the roof of your house?

5. Place your work of art in a sunny location.

6. Fill the bottom of the plate with water every day and mist the seeds so they do not dry out.

7. Patience.

What is going on?

You should have had some sprouts after a few days if you kept the seeds nice and moist. This is why I chose these seeds, they will grow rather quickly. I am always in awe when I can get something to grow — seeds are truly amazing little things. Did you know that they contain all of the food and instructions necessary to make a plant? Wow! All in that tiny little package. In this experiment, the seeds started their journey by soaking up the water you misted on them and left in the plate for the sponges to absorb. This allows for the food inside the tiny seed to be converted into energy or enzymes. These enzymes allow the seed to begin to germinate. This is not an easy task though as once it begins to germinate, the roots have to push through that really hard protective layer of the seed coat. The roots need to get out so they can find water and absorb more nutrients and start growing the actual plant with roots, a stem and leaves. Pretty amazing!

Do not forget to register for the Regional Science Fair on March 24 at Medicine Hat College.Visit the Praxis website for all the details. I can’t wait to see you all there!

Patty Rooks is senior scientific consultant at PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook.

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