92 
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-EXPERIMENT STATION 
Label the scar. Collect the papers. The names of the pupils 
are written on the opposite side of the paper in lower left-hand 
corner. 
Now give the children a pea seed. How does it compare in 
size with the bean ? How does it differ in shape ? Is the color 
the same? What is the color? What was the color of the 
bean? Do you find a scar on this seed? Does the pea seed 
grow in a pod ? It is advisable if time will permit to compare 
with such seeds as the squash and corn seed, to note the different 
positions of the scar and bring out the idea that all seeds are 
not found in pods but only such seeds as those of the legume 
family. 
The seeds are now put into a glass of water that is passed 
around and study continued the next day. 
Lesson Two 
Dry and moist seeds are passed out. What has happened 
to the soaked seed? (It has swollen.) What has caused this 
swelling? (Water.) How did the water get into the seed? 
Some of the children will discover that the water entered at 
the little dot near the scar. Have the children squeeze the 
seed so that they can see that the water entered at this point. 
Next examine the seed for its parts, ending with the fact 
that there is a connection between the opening and the embryo. 
Let us open the seed. What do you find on the outside? 
(Skin-like covering.) What is its use? (To protect inside. 
Bring out the use of skin on your own bodies and the same 
uses.) Notice the two thick portions that are found under 
the coat; these are called cotyledons. What holds the cotyl¬ 
edons together ? 
Let us open another bean seed beneath the small opening 
near the scar and see what we can find there. The children 
will discover the tiny embryo. Tell them that we will watch 
this embryo and see of what use it is to the plant. 
Pass out drawing paper used the previous day. Draw a 
soaked seed. Label. Draw the two cotyledons and label. 
Collect papers. 
Compare the pea seed with the bean seed as in Lesson I. 
Seeds are now placed in wet sawdust for further study, also 
in pots containing different types of soil. 
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