Sprout Race Slides
Seed Investigation
The Great Sprout Race
Do seeds sprout faster in soil or in a damp bag?
Soil Cup
Damp Bag
Observe, measure, and compare like a scientist
Background Science
What Wakes Up a Seed?
Water
Softens the hard seed coat and signals the tiny plant inside to start growing.
Warmth
Tells the seed that spring has arrived and it is safe to begin sprouting.
Air
Gives the growing baby plant oxygen to turn stored food into energy.
Notice: Seeds already pack their own food inside! Do they need soil right away?
Step 1: Hypothesis
Make Your Prediction
Team Soil
Soil wraps all around the seed, holds moisture steady, and feels like nature.
Team Damp Bag
A wet paper towel touches the seed directly and traps warm air inside the bag.
Turn & Talk: “I predict seeds will sprout faster in ________ because ________.”
Step 2: Plan a Fair Test
Keep Everything Else the Same!
Keep the Same
- Same type & number of seeds
- Same spot for light & warmth
- Same starting day and time
- Keep both damp (not flooded!)
Change Only ONE Thing
Where the seed lives:
Soil Cup vs. Damp Bag
Why? If two things change, we won’t know which one made the difference!
Step 3: Build Your Setup
How to Set Up Both Habitats
A: Soil Cup
- 1. Fill a clear cup most of the way with soil.
- 2. Press 3 seeds gently near the clear side so you can peek!
- 3. Cover lightly and mist with water until damp.
B: Damp Bag
- 1. Wet a paper towel and squeeze out extra drips.
- 2. Fold it flat and place 3 seeds on top.
- 3. Slide into a zip bag, leave a tiny air gap, and tape near the cup.
Label both with your name, today’s date, and “Soil” or “Bag”!
Step 4: Collect Data
What Counts as “Sprouted”?
Day 1–2
Swelling
The seed soaks up water, grows plump, and its outer coat wrinkles or splits.
Sprouted!
Tiny Root
A small white root tip pokes out of the seed. Record the day you first see it!
Next
Green Shoot
A stem and tiny leaves reach upward. Measure height with a ruler!
Look with your eyes, not your fingers — don’t dig up the soil seeds!
Step 5: Share Results
Analyze Our Results
1
Which habitat had the first sprout? On which day?
2
Did your evidence match your prediction? Why or why not?
3
What do you think happens next if the damp-bag sprout stays without soil?
Ready to start? Let’s set up our seeds!