AGRICULTURAL NATURE STUDY OUTLINES 
91 
III. Third Grade 
Study of Parts of Seed — Spring — 
It is a good plan in the study of the seed to have the 
children make booklets. Each time a lesson is completed the 
children make drawings and label the parts. This correlates 
well with drawing. Short sentences may be written about the 
seed and the language lesson for the day is provided. The 
gradual collecting of pages for their booklets is a continuous 
joy to the children. A cover is designed, some stage in the life 
history of the seed being used. The name of the booklet is 
chosen by the class. 
The study of soils is taken up at about the same time; the 
children thus see the different effects of different soils upon 
growth. 
Two days’ lesson plans are here given; an introductory talk 
on seeds has preceded these lessons. The study should be 
continued at least until the true leaves have appeared and the 
food in the cotyledons is used. 
Aim. To learn the parts of a seed in order to understand germin¬ 
ation. 
Material. Lima bean and pea seeds. Drawing paper, cut to 
shape of booklet, ruled place for heading. Pencil. 
First Lesson 
Method of Procedure. 
Provide each child with a lima bean seed. (This is large 
and the parts can easily be seen by the child.) Discuss the 
size of the seed. Is it large or small? What is its color? 
What is its shape? Are all bean seeds shaped alike? Can you 
find any marks or scars on the bean seed ? What do you think 
caused the scar? (Have dried pods containing beans ready 
to show the children to prove their statement.) Look closely 
at this scar. What do you find near it? (Tiny dot like a pin 
head.) What do you think is its use? (The children may not 
get the idea that it is to admit water; if not, tell them we will 
try to find out in tomorrow’s lesson.) 
Give the children each a piece of drawing paper. Have a 
model on the board in order that the children may know how 
to place the drawing on the paper. Have them print in the 
ruled heading, 4 ‘lima bean.” Draw the bean natural size. 
