Bean in a Bag

In this activity, students will germinate bean plants using simple materials that can be found around the house.

Activity Supplies

• 2-4 bean seeds
• 1 Sandwich sized zipper bag
• Approximately 3 inches of Tape
• 1 Paper towel
• Water
• Access to a window

Activity Steps

1. Cut and fold a paper towel so that it will fit neatly into the sandwich bag.
2. Remove the paper towel and run it under a water faucet. 
3. Wring out the water so that that the paper towel is wet but not dripping wet. 
4. Put the damp paper towel into the bag and smooth it out so that the towel is flat. 
5. Place 2-4 beans into the bag on one side of the paper towel about 3 cm (1 inch) from the bottom of the bag. 
6. Partially close the bag while leaving a small opening so that air can enter the growing plant. 
7. Find a window that gets some sunlight but isn’t scorched by direct sun rays all day. 
8. Tape the bag to the window with the beans facing indoors so that you can watch them as they grow. 
9. Observe the germination and growth of the bean plants.
10. Add water as needed. Do not let the paper towel get dry.

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