How to Grow a Plant From a Pinto Bean in a Ziploc Bag

Teaching children about plants is problematic, since seeds are usually buried in potting soil. The germination process is invisible. However, with a wet paper towel, a Ziploc bag, dried pinto beans and a bright, sunny window, you can provide a teaching moment even in the dead of winter. Pinto beans sprout and grow quickly. This project holds interest for several days. After the beans sprout, continue the teaching process by planting the beans inside or in the garden.

Paper towels
Ziploc sandwich bags
2 nails
Hammer
Twine
Clothespins

Instructions

- 1
  Wet a paper towel. Squeeze most of the water out.
- 2
  Fold the paper towel to fit into the Ziploc bag. Place in the bag.
- 3
  Insert one or two pinto beans per bag on between the paper towel and the side of the bag. Do not seal the bag.
- 4
  Tap a nail into the wall on each side of a bright, sunny window. Stretch a piece of twine across the window, tying it to the nails.
- 5
  Hang the Ziploc bags on the twine with a clothespin with the bean facing the window.
- 6
  Monitor the Ziploc bag, making sure that the paper towel stays moist while the pinto bean sprouts. Pinto beans germinate quickly, sometimes overnight.
- 7
  Plant the bean sprout in a paper cup with potting soil or in the garden. Handle the root gently. It breaks easily. Water the sprout thoroughly after planting.

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