Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My child wants to know if which flower seed will germinate in a sponge the fastest?
Is this a good topic for a child in the fifth grade? Who also struggles in science anyway?

Hi Shauna,

This is a perfectly good project for a 5th grader. Especially, if your child has selected the topic.

I recommend helping your 5th grader do some background reading before starting and follow the sciencebuddies guide for doing a science project:

http://www.sciencebuddies.com/science-f ... l?From=Tab

You will need to design an experiment that will answer a question you have about seed germination. In the experiment, all parameters will be controlled, except for one independent variable. Here are some ideas for a specific experiment.

http://coastalrain.tripod.com/weegarden/id27.html

http://biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/less ... ch_sec.htm

http://gk12.asu.edu/Lessons/Life_Scienc ... nation.pdf

Let us know if you have any questions.

Donna Hardy

Donna's advice is good. I just want to add that we have many plant projects that your child may enjoy.

Here are a few that are related to growing seeds:


https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p012.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p008.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p014.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p034.shtml

In K-5 grades, you really want to focus on having your child learn the scientific method with a project that they enjoy. In middle school they would need to choose a more challenging topic. But for 5th grade I think it is fine.