09/15/2026
Our 5th grade scientists investigated the question, “Does a seed need soil to grow?” Students made predictions, then placed seeds on damp cotton balls with no soil and observed them over several days to see if they would germinate and grow.
This SOL 5.1 investigation gave students hands-on practice making predictions, recording observations, collecting evidence, and drawing conclusions based on their results.
🏠 Parent/Guardian Activity: Seed Science at Home
Try your own mini seed investigation! Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel or cotton ball and keep them in a safe spot. Before you begin, make a prediction about what will happen. Check the seeds each day, record what you notice, and talk about how your observations provide evidence.
💬 Conversation Starter:
“Do you think a seed needs soil to begin growing? What evidence could we collect to support our answer?”