5 Science Experiments to Teach Kids About Plants

Spring might not feel close just yet, but it’s right around the corner. And what better way to welcome the season than with hands-on, plant-focused science experiments?

These science experiments with plants help young learners discover what plants need to grow and thrive. Through hands-on activities like planting seeds and observing their development, your young scientists will get their hands dirty while exploring the process. By the end, they won’t just understand how plants grow—they’ll experience it firsthand.

There are SO many science experiments with plants, it can be hard to choose which ones to do! There are a couple of classroom favorites that I always try to fit in.

Seeds in a Bag

Germinate your own seeds, without any soil, and watch them sprout! We hang our baggies in the window where they’re sure to get lots of natural light and then watch as the seeds germinate and begin to sprout over the course of a few days.

Materials needed:

Ziplock bags
Paper towels
Water
Dry beans (lima beans work well)
Tape
Plant Shop Seedlings plant holder

Wrap a few beans in a wet paper towel, put in a baggie with the paper frame and observe the changes over time.

science experiments with plants: a bean in a bag science experiment to hang in a window — **Download this resource HERE**

Planting Celery

Discover how plants absorb water using celery!

Materials needed:

Celery stalks with leaves
Clear cups
Water
Food coloring (red, blue, or green work best)
Observation sheet

Trim the bottom of the celery stalk before placing in the colored water, and then watch as the dye travels up to the leaves.

Tip: use the lighter-colored interior stalks rather than the darker green stalks on the outside of the bunch. The color shows up better that way!

Download this resource HERE

Planting Mystery Seeds

This science experiment focuses on how different plants grow.

Materials needed:

Various types of seeds (sunflower, bean, grass, flower seeds)
Small cups or pots
Soil
Water
Labels

Have your students plant seeds, not telling students what kind they are. Students should write down their predictions on what the seedlings will grow up to be. Be sure to store them in a sunny spot, watering regularly.

Breathing Plants

Start by asking your students if they think plants actually breathe? This science experiment will show that plants do indeed release oxygen.

Materials needed:

A clear bowl
Water
Fresh leaf
Sunlight

Fill a clear bowl with water and place a fresh leaf inside. Set the bowl in sunlight and wait 30–60 minutes. Look closely—tiny bubbles will appear on the leaf! Students will think it is magic.

Plants Without Soil

Plants don’t always need soil to grow—just water, sunlight, and nutrients! This fun experiment gives kids a peek into hydroponics, a real-world farming method that helps plants grow without dirt.

Materials needed:

Clear cup or jar (so kids can see the roots grow)
Water
Vegetable scraps that can regrow, such as:
- Lettuce stump (romaine)
- Green onions (scallions)
- Carrot tops
- Celery base
- Sweet potato (cut in half)

Fill a clear jar or cup halfway with water, placing the vegetable scrap in. Set that jar in a sunny spot, like a windowsill. Change the water every 2-3 days to stop bacteria from growing. Take a daily observation…roots will start to grow in the water! (After 1-2 weeks, the plant will be big enough to transplant into soil, or continue growing in water.)