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Topsy-Turvy Seeds
 To plant seeds, you just dig a hole and plop them in the ground. Is it possible to plant a seed upside-down? Would the roots grow in the air and the leaves down in the soil? Try this activity to find out.
What You Need
6 bean seeds
1 piece of construction paper
1 large glass jar with a wide opening
Scissors
Paper towels
What to Do
1. Soak the bean seeds in water overnight.
2. Line the jar with the sheet of construction paper. You may have to cut the paper to fit.
3. Dampen the paper towels and stuff them into the middle of the jar.
4. Push the beans between the construction paper and the side of the jar. Put each seed pointing a different direction: up-and-down, sideways, or on an angle.
5. Put the jar in a place with lots of light, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Add water to the paper towels when needed. They should always be moist.
6. After a few days, you will see little roots and stems. Which way are they growing?
7. When your seeds have sprouted little leaves, turn the jar on its side. Watch the seeds for another few days.
How it Works
Plant seeds contain natural chemicals that cause the roots to grow down and stems and leaves to grow up. So it doesnt matter how you plant your seeds because the plant knows which way to grow!
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