Germination Discoveries

Learning Area

Science

Level

Year 5

Achievement Objectives

From the 2007 New Zealand Curriculum and Te Mātaiaho, students will:

• Nature of Science: Investigate and describe the changes that occur in seeds during germination. Develop understanding of fair testing by controlling variables in an experiment to observe plant growth.
• Living World: Describe life processes and growth of plants, focusing on seed germination.
• Science Capabilities: Plan and conduct fair tests, make careful observations, and record data systematically.

Learning Objective (WALT)

We are learning to observe and record the germination of seeds and understand how to plan and conduct a fair test.

Success Criteria

• I can create a scientific observation page to record the stages of seed germination.
• I understand the meaning of fair testing and can identify how to keep some factors the same.
• I can wrap seeds in paper towels, place them in ziplock bags, and monitor changes over time.
• I can describe what a seed needs to germinate and explain why fair testing helps scientists.

Resources

• Seeds (e.g., bean seeds)
• Paper towels
• Ziplock bags
• Scientific observation sheets (for recording data and drawings)
• Pencils, coloured pencils
• Chart of seed germination stages for reference
• Whiteboard and markers
• Magnifying glasses (optional)
• Rulers for measuring growth (optional)
• Digital camera or tablet (optional, for photos of germination)

Cultural Competencies

• Manaakitanga: We will care for the seeds and plants gently, showing respect for living things.
• Whanaungatanga: Students will work in pairs or small groups to encourage collaboration and shared learning.
• Tika: Emphasise the importance of accuracy and honesty in scientific observations.

Key Competencies

• Thinking: Make observations, ask questions about seed growth, analyse results, and understand the concept of fair testing.
• Using Language, Symbols and Texts: Record observations carefully, use scientific vocabulary such as germination, fair test, variables.
• Managing Self: Organise materials responsibly and follow instructions to complete the activity within the lesson time.
• Relating to Others: Collaborate with a partner to discuss findings and share ideas.
• Participating & Contributing: Contribute to the group discussion, help prepare materials, and share observations respectfully.

Organisation

Class size: 25 students

Materials prepared: Packets of seeds, paper towels, ziplock bags, observation sheets.

Grouping: Pairs for hands-on activities to support peer learning.

Timing: 45 minutes total.

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Beginning (10 minutes)

• Introduction (5 min): Display a seed and show the prepared seed-in-paper towel in a ziplock bag from previous days. Ask: “What do you notice about this seed? What do seeds need to grow?”
• WALT and Success Criteria: Write on whiteboard for all to see.
• Explain fair testing (5 min): Discuss what a fair test means — changing one thing at a time (e.g., water, light, temperature) while keeping other things the same to find out what helps seeds grow.

During (30 minutes)

• Activity 1: Creating Observation Page (10 min)

• Provide each student with a scientific observation template page.

• Explain what to include: date, seed type, drawing of seed, notes on what they observe or expect.

• Students decorate the pages with headings: “Seed Observation,” “Date,” “What I See,” “Notes.”

• Use scientific words such as "germination," "root," "shoot."

• Activity 2: Setting up the Fair Test (20 min)

• Working in pairs, students take seeds and moisten paper towels.

• Wrap 2-3 seeds in the moist paper towel and put them inside a ziplock bag.

• Students label the bags with the date and their names.

• Discuss variables: water amount is kept the same; some seeds can be placed in light, others in darkness (if teacher wishes to extend).

• Teacher models how to place the bags in a suitable place in the classroom.

• Students record initial observations and predictions on their observation sheet.

Ending (5 minutes)

• Review & Share (3 min): Invite volunteers to share what they learned about seed needs and fair testing.
• Recap WALT & Success Criteria (2 min): Highlight how their observation pages will help them watch changes over time.
• Extension for advanced learners: Suggest designing additional fair tests at home (e.g., testing different amounts of water or temperature effects) and recording outcomes with photos.
• Wrap Up: Explain that they will revisit their observation pages in the coming days to note changes and measure growth.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support for diverse learners: Provide templates with sentence starters on observation sheets, use visuals chart for stages of germination, offer one-on-one support during activities, and use paired work for peer assistance.
• Extension activities: Encourage advanced learners to research the science behind germination, design their own extra fair tests, or create a time-lapse drawing or photo diary of seed growth.

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This lesson aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh’s emphasis on scientific investigation, fair testing, and active observation embedded within culturally responsive teaching and development of key competencies. The planned activities offer hands-on engagement appropriate for Year 5 students while fostering critical thinking through fair test design and systematic recording of observations.