TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Got Seeds? Now Add Bleach, Acid, and Sandpaper
Nicking, filing, and soaking the seed in hot water or acid are all forms of scarification, or ways to speed up germination by breaking down the shell. Mary Koga offers some tips to spur your sprouts. [3:35]
Museum of Science
Museum of Science and Industry: Make a Friend From Soil and Seeds
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a cute little friend with real-growing hair made of grass and grass seeds.
BiologyWise
Biology Wise: Seed Germination the Primary Phase of Plant Growth
Describes the structure of seeds, the conditions needed for seeds to germinate, and the steps involved in germination. Also discusses germination in dicots and monocots.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Acid Rain: The Affect of Acid on Seed Germination
In this biology lab, young scholars will investigate whether acid/acid rain affects the germination of seeds through the use of observation, experimentation, data analysis, oral presentations, and scientific writing.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Hydrogen Peroxide on Plant Root Cuttings & Seed Germination
Hydrogen peroxide (often used as a disinfectant) has also been approved for use in pesticides. This science fair project investigates whether hydrogen peroxide has any effects on seed germination or on roots of plant cuttings.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University: Development From Seed to Plant
A thorough discussion of the environmental cues that can trigger germination and of the changes in structure that result. Charts, graphs, and links are also provided.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Planting Size vs. Depth
Plants have evolved many clever mechanisms to ensure that their seeds will wait for appropriate conditions before sprouting. Some may only germinate after a fire, others only after going through a cold spell. This project explores one...
Science4Fun
Science4 Fun: Seed Germination
Resource describes the process of germination and includes the parts of a seed, environmental conditions, and rate of germination.
Other
Backyard Gardener: Seed Germination Database
An extensive database of seeds. Learn how the different types of seeds germinate. Information is from Thompson and Morgan.
Center of Science and Industry
Cosi Columbus: Mighty Seeds
Learn about the process of germination in this hands-on science experiment. Includes full list of materials, procedures, and scientific explanation of why plants can survive in a variety of environments.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating an Inquiry Approach to Germination Growth in Plants
In this lab, students investigate the effects of a variable on the germination of a small plant. They will compare the growth of their variable to a control then write a lab report to report their findings.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Rad Radishes: Irradiation on Seed Germination
In this plant biology science fair project, students will investigate effects of irradiation on seed germination. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract, objective, and introduction, followed...
Other
Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory for Biological Science
All about plants has information on plant parts--seeds, flowers, fruits, roots, and spores--and plant processes--seed dispersal, germination, pollination, and photosynthesis. You can also take a tour of this Los Angeles-based...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Structure of Seeds and Effects of Fertilizer on Plants
In this lesson plan, young scholars identify parts of seeds and the effect of fertilizer on their germination and development.
HotChalk
Hot Chalk: Lesson Plans Page: Planting Seeds
This simple lesson plan is designed to help young students be aware of how seeds sprout, and that seeds grow into plants.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Seeds to Plants: How to Grow a Plant
An experiment where first-graders plant seeds and monitor their growth. Prior to planting, they decide on an inquiry question, and how they will find out the answer through the experiment.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Determining Percent of Seed Germination
In this project, students will conduct an experiment to determine the percentage of seed that will germinate in a given time frame. Students will produce charts and graphs to represent the results algebraically. Mathematics and...
Other
Illinois State Museum: Prairie Ecosystems: Plant Adaptations
How are prairie plants able to survive fires? This site will explain how seed germination takes place after a prairie fire.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Do Plants Need Water?
Activity focuses on the impact of water on seed germination.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Cryopreservation: Freezing Plant Tissues
Cryopreservation-storing seeds in ultra-cold liquid nitrogen-is one method for maintaining plant genetic stocks in seed banks. The purpose of this project is to observe the characteristics and outcomes of cryogenically frozen seedlings...
Other
Bcss: Grow Cacti & Other Succulent Plants From Seed [Pdf]
Learn how to grow cacti and other succulent plants from seed. Site deals with winter care of seedlings, insect pests, germination, and much more.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: The Effect of Acid Rain on Seed Growth
A lab activity that takes place over a few weeks, where students first determine the pH of different solutions, then choose three that are acidic. They set up petri dishes with radish seeds and hydrate them with the different solutions...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fourth Grade Science: Life Science: Plant Reproduction
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at the processes of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, including pollination, fertilization (seed production), seed dispersal, and germination.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Third Grade Science: Life Science: Plant Reproduction and Life Cycles
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Read about the processes of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, including pollination, fertilization (seed production), seed dispersal, and germination.