Lesson Summary Students compare four seeds as they go through the germination process in the minisprouters that were set up in a previous lesson. They identify, describe and record plant structures (i.e. seed coats, cotyledons, stems, leaves and roots) that they observe. Teacher Background Germination is the first important step in the life cycle of a plant that grows from a seed. For the purpose of this investigation, germination is when the water enters the seed, the seed swells and the seed coat splits open. Set-up/Management Tips This lesson needs to take place 7- 8 days after you have started the seeds in the minisprouters and the class sprouter. Seeds need to have roots and stems emerging. (germination) Each group needs at least four seeds of each type to observe for this lesson. Be sure to save 25-30 healthy bean seedlings to set up the hydroponics in the next lesson. Literacy Support Scientific Vocabulary The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit: Germination Organism Growth Seedling Root Stem Leaf