Check your bean at roughly the same time each day. Add the date, make a drawing and write or dictate one observation. Do not assume a bean must reach a certain stage on a certain day.
With a grown-up: use untreated planting beans; do not eat seeds or sprouts. Keep small seeds away from younger children. Wash hands after handling. An adult should discard any mouldy setup.
Read the complete activity guide ↗
Explore before you start.
Scientists record observations over time. Dates and drawings help us compare changes rather than relying only on memory.
Look at the picture, talk about what you notice, then use the drawing and writing spaces below. Open the picture for a closer look.
Look before you draw
Start with the shape of the seed. Compare the root length, shoot direction and number of leaves with your last entry.
Write an observation
“I see a white root” describes evidence. “I think leaves will grow next” is a prediction. Both are useful, but they tell us different things.
Nothing changed today?
That is still an observation. Add the date and describe what stayed the same. Check that the towel is damp and keep watching.
Use a finger, stylus or mouse in each drawing box. Type below it, or ask a grown-up to write your words. Your work stays in this tab. Save before refreshing or leaving.
First look
Look closely. What is your bean like today?
Look again
Draw your bean on a later day.
One more observation
Look for roots, a shoot or leaves. It is fine if your bean is still a seed.
Your ideas belong here. There is no score.
What are we learning?
Scientists record observations over time. Dates and drawings help us compare changes rather than relying only on memory.
Prefer a worksheet?
Open the individual cartoon activity sheet to print or save. Use portrait orientation and fit to page.
Open worksheet to save ↓Try another little investigation.
01How to Grow a BeanSet up a tiny science project with a grown-up. Make a prediction, then check your bean each day.
Draw · Type · Save
02How Tall Is Your Plant?Once your seedling is planted in soil, measure its height and compare your records.
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03Parts of My PlantLook for a seed, root, stem and leaf. Draw each part, name it and describe what it does.
Draw · Type · Save
04My Bean LeafBecome a leaf detective. Look gently and leave the leaf attached to the plant.
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05Life Cycle of a Bean PlantFollow a bean from seed to new seeds. Use the picture cards, then explain the changes in your own words.
Draw · Type · Save
06Decorate Your PlantDesign an imaginary plant with leaves, flowers, pods and seeds. Draw on screen or use the printable cutouts.
Draw · Type · Save