B5 Science · Term 2 Week 4: Life Cycles of Organisms

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B5.2.2.1.2 - Compare the differences in germination of bean and maize seeds

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Describe the stages of germination observed in bean and maize seeds using correct terms (imbibition, swelling, seed coat rupture, radicle emergence, plumule emergence).
Compare the germination of bean and maize seeds by identifying at least three differences between them, including the behaviour of the seed leaves (cotyledons).
Classify bean as an epigeal (above-soil) germinator and maize as a hypogeal (below-soil) germinator based on observation.
Record observations of seed germination over several days using a simple table or labelled drawings.
Explain why the position of the cotyledons (above or below soil) matters for the young plant’s survival.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Cycles (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Life Cycles of Organisms (2.2)
Content standard: B5.2.2.1 - Demonstrate understanding of life cycle of a plant
Indicator: B5.2.2.1.2 - Compare the differences in germination of bean and maize seeds
Suggested placement: Term 2, Week 4 (Week 16 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Science Curriculum (Basic 4-6), 2019, p. 22
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Learners are assisted to review the previous knowledge on seed germination.
- Put learners in groups and provide them with dry beans and maize seeds.
- Learners are assisted to plant the bean and maize seeds using transparent containers and soil.
- Learners are guided to observe (1) the dry seed (2) when it absorbs water and swells (3) rapturing of the seed coat (4) sprouting of the root (5) sprouting of the stem and seed leaves (6) the elongation of the root and stem.
- Learners find out where the seed leaves (cotyledons) remain, inside the soil or above the soil.
NB: This activity will take some days.