Project on Bean Plants Growing in Different Soils

Preparation

• Discuss how plants grow, what they need and the different types of soil. Collect different types of soil such as sand, topsoil, clay, potting soil, compost and bedrock. If possible, take the children on a field trip to collect different types of soil.

Project

• In small, separate containers, have the children plant bean seeds in each of the soil types. In addition to the different types of soil, you can have the children use different types of beans. Keep a growth chart for each plant to track the growth at different stages. You can also use small amounts of soil in a plastic zip-lock bag taped to the window instead of containers.

Follow-up

• Have the children examine the plant growth from each soil type. Have them compare which soil grew the fastest, slowest, largest, smallest and best plants. Ask the kids to identify what caused the difference in plant growth. Try to determine other elements that would affect plant growth such as light, heat and moisture.