Plant Pets

STEMovation
Sep 1, 2023
1 min read

STEM To-Go Activity

Create a plant pet and learn about the parts of a plant, their needs to survive, and the life cycle of a plant.

Materials

Clear Cup
Soil (1 cup)
Googly Eyes (1 pair)
Observation Log
Seeds (Plant Species: Red Clover)
Water
A sunny location
Marker
Spoon

Activity Instructions

1. Attach the Googly Eyes onto the cup. 2. Draw a face on the cup! 3. Empty your soil into the cup. 4. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil. Cover with a thin layer of soil. Add 3 spoonfuls of water. 5. Record the data in the Observation Log.

6. Add 1 spoonful of water every day.

Tip: Move your Plant Pet near a window to make sure your Plant Pet is growing!

Tip: Make sure to observe the process! You might be able to see the roots against the side of your cup!

The Science Behind It All

What do plants need to grow?

Water: Water helps move nutrients from the soil into the plant. Sunlight: Plants use light energy to make a type of sugar called glucose. They use glucose as their energy source. Air: Plants take carbon dioxide from the air, and use it to make glucose. Soil: Plants use soil to get the nutrients it needs to grow.

Play the video to see how your plant will grow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E933DSpP9Ds

What are the parts of a plant?

While the plant grows, observe all the parts of a plant - roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. Leaf: The leaf uses sunlight to make food. Roots: Roots give the plant support by anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients needed for it to grow. Stem: The stem holds the plant up and carries water to the rest of the plant. Seeds: The seed will grow into a new plant.

What is the life cycle of a plant?

The life cycle of a plant, shows the different stages from the beginning of its life until the end. 1. Seed: The plant cycle starts with the seed. 2. Sprout: The roots are first to push out of the seed to absorb water and nutrients. 3. Leaves: The leaves make food for the plant, and the plant can use this to make new seeds. 4. Seedling: The seedling (new plant) grows. The stem and leaves reach toward light.