Seed Survivor Lab Slides
Grade 4 Science • Ecosystem Lab
Hands-On Investigation
Seed Survivor Lab
Investigating plant needs: How do water, light, and habitat conditions help seeds sprout and thrive?
Sunlight Test
Testing light vs. dark
Moisture Test
Testing water vs. dry
Daily Tracking
Measure root & stem growth
1
The Big Scientific Question
Background & Hypothesis
Our Mystery
What do seeds really need to wake up, sprout, and grow strong?
Plants are the primary producers of ecosystems. To survive, they rely on specific environmental factors in their habitat.
Do seeds need light right away, or only once leaves form?
Your Scientist Hypothesis
Before we set up our cups, make a clear scientific prediction in your lab notes:
"If a seed receives water but no sunlight, then it will..."
"If a seed receives sunlight but no water, then it will..."
We test variables one at a time for a fair experiment!
Ecosystem Connection: Habitats provide light, water, air, and room to grow. Variable Control Lab
2
Lab Detective Equipment
Materials Checklist
3 Clear Plastic Cups
Allows clear viewing of roots forming underground and stems growing upward.
9 Fast-Sprouting Seeds
Pinto or lima beans (3 seeds per cup) provide plenty of stored energy to begin.
Paper Towels & Water
Creates a moist growing bed so roots can anchor and drink cleanly.
Foil, Tape & Marker
Foil blocks sunlight for the dark condition; tape labels each cup clearly.
Check each material off with your lab partner before starting step one!
3
Rules for a Fair Experiment
Scientific Integrity
Change Only One Variable
Keep temperature, cup size, and seed type identical so we know what caused the change.
Fair Test
Handle Seeds with Care
Do not squeeze or crush the seed coats. Seeds are living plant embryos waiting to grow!
Gentle Touch
Keep Workspace Clean & Dry
Wipe spills immediately to avoid slipping and ensure labels stay dry and readable.
Lab Safety
Grade 4 Science Standard: 4-LS1-1 Plant Structures & Ecosystem Functions Ready to assemble? Next slide!
4
The 3 Experimental Setups
Cup Conditions
Cup A Control
Sun + Water
- Damp paper towel
- Sunny windowsill
- Full light exposure
Tests normal ecosystem growing conditions.
Cup B Variable 1
Dark + Water
- Damp paper towel
- Wrapped in foil
- Zero sunlight
Tests if light is needed for early sprout germination.
Cup C Variable 2
Sun + No Water
- Completely dry towel
- Sunny windowsill
- Full light exposure
Tests if seeds can sprout in dry drought environments.
Label each cup with your group name and letter: Cup A, B, or C Step 1 of Setup
5
How to Plant Your Seeds
3-Step Assembly
1
Prep the Towels
Dampen paper towels with water for Cup A and Cup B. Squeeze gently so they are moist, not dripping! Keep Cup C completely dry.
Moist like a squeezed sponge
2
Tuck in Seeds
Fold the towel inside each cup. Slip 3 bean seeds between the paper towel and the clear cup wall so they are visible from outside.
Seeds must face outward
3
Place in Habitats
Wrap Cup B snugly in aluminum foil to block all light. Place Cup A, B, and C in the sunny lab window side-by-side.
Same window temperature
Lab Tip: Don't bury the seeds too deep—leave about 2 inches from the rim! Ready to Observe
6
Tracking Daily Science Data
Days 1 to 7
Measure in Centimeters
Place a clear metric ruler against the cup. Record root length (growing down) and stem shoot length (growing up).
Unit: cm (millimeters if small)
Observe Color Changes
Are the new leaves vibrant green, pale yellow, or white? Green indicates chlorophyll producing food from sunlight!
Color = Photosynthesis clues
Count Sprouted Seeds
Count how many of the 3 seeds cracked their outer coat. Calculate your team germination rate each morning.
e.g., 2 out of 3 = 67%
Observation Routine: Check every morning at 9:00 AM before science begins. Accuracy Matters!
7
Ecosystem Connections & Big Ideas
Wrap-Up & Analysis
Producers Feed Ecosystems
Plants use light, water, and carbon dioxide to create sugars through photosynthesis. Every herbivore, carnivore, and consumer relies on this primary energy!
Without light and water, plants cannot produce energy, disrupting the whole food web.
Habitat Adaptations
Ecosystems around the world offer different amounts of plant resources:
- • Desert Cacti: Thick stems store scarce moisture
- • Rainforest Vines: Climb trees toward sun
- • Tundra Moss: Grow low against freezing winds
Plant structures directly reflect the needs and challenges of their habitat.
Time to set up your cups! Good luck, scientists!
Day 1 Begins Now
