Lesson Summary Students will investigate the question: What is causing the seeds in the sprouters to appear swollen? They compare the mass of dry bean seeds and bean seeds that have been soaked overnight in water, to determine how much water they soaked up. Teacher Background Using the focus question, the class will plan a guided investigation, using student ideas and teacher guidance. Students will set up a standard procedure for weighing the bean seeds and recording data. Set-up/Management Tips This part will take two sessions of 20-30 minutes each. The first part can be done on any of the six days that students have been observing their sprouters. The second session needs to take place the following day. Have balance materials and gram pieces ready for each group. A student could count out the gram pieces (15 gram pieces for each group) ahead of time. Be sure to have groups weigh ALL five bean seeds at the same time, not each seed individually. Literacy Support Books Available Through VAST Mediagraphies: (see Literacy Links) Science Stories Barbara McClintock Scientific Vocabulary The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit: Embryo Seed Coat Cotyledon