Lesson Summary In the second lesson, students will observe the properties of a soaked lima bean and compare to their dry seed observations and predictions from the previous day. Students will then observe, draw, label, and learn about the parts of a bean seed and their functions/purpose. Teacher Background Seeds are living but in a dormant state.  They have the potential to produce plants if given the proper conditions (moisture and appropriate temperature).  Each seed is made up of the embryo (undeveloped plant) and cotyledon (food source for the seed).  The outer covering is the seed coat.  Its main job is to provide protection.  The soaked seeds will swell (as they absorb water; they do not “grow”), become softer, and their outer texture becomes more apparent.  The seed coat softens and slides off easily, and the inside halves will come apart more easily for observation. Set-up/Management Tips A flex cam is a good piece of technology to use with this lesson to show details. It is also useful to have the overhead projector or chalkboard/whiteboard for drawing and labeling a lima bean seed. Literacy Support Scientific Vocabulary The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit: cotyledon embryo leaves seed seed coat