Plant Growth Investigation | Science Investigation Packet (Grades 3–5)t

🌱 Plant Growth Investigation | Science Investigation Packet (Grades 3–5)

Help students become real scientists as they explore how different soil types affect plant growth through a fun, hands-on investigation! In this engaging STEM resource, students will design a fair test, grow plants, collect data, create graphs, analyze evidence, and write scientific conclusions based on their own results. Rather than memorizing facts, students discover that different plants have different growing needs by comparing radishes, beans, and grass (or wheatgrass) grown in potting soil, sandy soil, and clay soil.

What's Included

• 🌱 10-page student investigation packet
• 🌿 Learn about radishes, beans, and grass/wheatgrass
• 🪴 Compare potting soil, sandy soil, and clay soil
• 🔬 Fair testing and scientific variables
• 🧪 9-cup investigation setup
• 💭 Prediction activities
• 📊 Daily observation log
• 📈 Graphing plant growth
• 🔍 Evidence comparison and analysis
• ✍️ Scientific conclusion writing
• ✅ Complete answer key with sample data and teacher guidance

Students Will Practice

• Scientific inquiry
• Fair testing and controlled experiments
• Observation and measurement
• Recording and organizing data
• Creating and interpreting graphs
• Using evidence to support conclusions
• Critical thinking and problem-solving

Perfect For

• Science centers
• STEM lessons
• NGSS-aligned investigations
• Homeschool science
• Classroom science units
• Small groups
• Independent investigations
• Extension and enrichment activities

This investigation encourages students to think like real scientists by asking questions, making predictions, collecting evidence, and discovering that the best soil depends on the plant, making it a memorable and meaningful hands-on science experience.