Thanksgiving Preschool Science Experiment!!

This fun science experiment could be done any time of the year, but since we decorate with "Indian corn" at Thanksgiving time, this was the perfect season for us!

I originally saw the idea last month on Share & Remember, and decided to turn it into a big project this month!  So, here's your step by step:

Simple Supplies:

• one piece of "Indian corn" (an ear of dry, colorful, decorative corn)
• a pan or bucket you can set aside for a week or two
• water

Easy How-to:

1- Break any husks off your corn and place the corn in the pan (or bucket...I used an old pyrex baking dish).

2- Fill the pan with enough water to cover a little more than half the ear of corn.

3- Place the pan in a sunny windowsill.

4- As the days go by (and the water evaporates), add more water so half the corn stays wet.

5- By the time 4-5 days have passed, you should see little shoots popping out.  The picture at the top of this post is after six full days.  If you keep it any longer than 5-6 days, you may want to change the water.  Be very gentle with the corn (baby shoots and roots are very fragile) and make sure you place the corn back in the pan with the same side up as before you changed the water.

Make it a 

Learning Experience:

1- Before you begin, let your child hold corn, tap it, and examine it.  Talk about the colors and texture.  Ask your child to predict if it will grow if you water it.

2- Once a day, at a predictable time (perhaps during a school or meal routine), let your child examine the corn and explain what (if anything) has happened.  Older children could keep a log of the daily results.

3- After a week, discuss your child's original prediction and the final results.

4- Pull out a kernel and let your child find (or point out) the root and shoots.  We are going to plant several of the kernels/seedlings in small cups and see how long they grow.  Could we get a big corn plant in the middle of winter?  Who knows!  If not, we might repeat the adventure in the spring!!

This is a great science experiment for young learners.  If you try this science project, I'd love to hear about it.  Leave a comment here or stop by the Preschool Power Packets Facebook page and tell me all about it!

Amazon Affiliate Links:

I may share at any of these parties!