Plants Need Light to Grow

In March students in 39 STEAM classrooms learned that dormant seeds contain stored energy (cotyledon) to produce a plant. In April they discovered that after a plant begins to grow, the seed energy becomes depleted and plants must get their energy from the sun.


Students were able to compare plants that were grown in sunlight with plants that were sheltered from light. The plants grown in sunlight were green and sturdy while the plants grown without light were spindly and pale. Students were able to draw the conclusion that sprouts need sunlight in order to grow.

This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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