Let’s get to the root of the matter. 🌱🎃
Do pumpkin seeds need sunlight to sprout?
With pumpkin season right around the corner, we have a perfect experiment for you to try! When you’re left with just the seeds after carving a pumpkin, don’t throw them away, use them to investigate how seeds begin to grow.
As you carve your pumpkin, think about:
- Why does the pumpkin have so many seeds?
- What does a seed need to grow?
- What do you think would happen if we put one in soil?
Before a seed becomes a plant, it must germinate, meaning it begins to sprout. A seed contains a tiny developing plant and stored food. When the conditions are right, the seed absorbs water, the seed coat begins to break open, and the first root emerges.
We want to investigate what conditions help a pumpkin seed germinate. For this experiment, we’ll focus on one major variable: the amount of sunlight the seeds receive.
What You’ll Need
- 3-5 raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 paper towels
- 1 clear resealable plastic bag
- Water
- Marker
- Tape
- Observation sheet
- Ruler
The Experiment
- Dampen a paper towel and place 3-5 pumpkin seeds on it.
- Fold the towel over the seeds and place it inside the bag.
- Label the bag with your name and experimental group (see below).
- Place the bag in its assigned location.
A quick tip: keep the towel damp, but not dripping.
Group A:Â Place your seeds somewhere with plenty of natural light, such as near a window.
Group B:Â Place your seeds somewhere dark, such as a cabinet or closet.
For the next 10 days, observe your seeds and record what you see. Look for swelling, changes to the seed coat, roots, stems, and leaves. Use your ruler to measure root and stem growth as they develop.
What did you Discover?
- Which group had more seeds germinate?
- Which germinated first?
- Which had the longest roots?
- Did sunlight affect germination?
- Were your predictions correct?
From Seed to Plant 🌱🎃
Share Your Results
Once you’ve collected your findings, carefully move your sprouted seedling into soil and continue watching it grow!
Let’s see your sprouts! Use #muddysneakersnc on social media to show your pumpkin seed germination experiment in action at home or school.