lesson
Updated 6 days ago · 1 view
A tiny sunflower seed can grow into a towering 10-foot plant that makes over a thousand new seeds. How does one little seed pull off this incredible journey?
Plants follow a repeating journey called a life cycle, which starts with a seed waking up under the soil.
Stage 1: Germination
Germination is when a dormant (sleeping) seed absorbs water, swells up, and begins to sprout.
With the right warmth and air, the seed coat splits open so the first root grows downward and a tiny shoot pushes upward toward the light.
📊An interactive or animated step-by-step diagram of seed germination. Shows soil cross-section: 1) Dry seed in soil, 2) Water droplets soak in, seed swells, 3) Tiny white root (radicle) grows down into soil, 4) Green shoot pushes upward above soil with two small leaves opening. Clean modern flat design, soft earth tones (#8D6E63 soil, #4CAF50 sprout, #2196F3 water drops). Responsive down to 350px.
Once that green shoot reaches the sunlight, what does the young seedling do next?
Stage 2: Growth
During vegetative growth, the seedling develops stronger roots, a thicker stem, and lots of green leaves.
The leaves absorb sunlight to make food, while the roots draw up water and mineral nutrients from the soil to help the plant get bigger.
When the plant is fully grown and strong, what colorful structures does it build to get ready for reproduction?
Stage 3: Flowering
The adult plant produces flowers, which are the reproductive organs designed to make new seeds.