We've done two experiments so far since we started our MFW curriculum. First experiment was seeing grapes turn into raisins by leaving them in the sun. Second experiment was a bean experiment, seeing how it grows in the light and dark. Kanani has been keeping a science journal in order to keep track of her observations.
RAISIN EXPERIMENT
We took 8 green seedless grapes placed them in a bowl and put them outside on a table in direct sunlight. As each day went by Kanani would write down her observations of the grapes as they would go through the process of changing into raisins.
As each day went by the grapes would shrivel, shrink, and change their colors from green to brown.
When we reached day eight the grapes started to look more like raisins. We will update when the grapes have turned completely into raisins. From what I've researched it usually takes two weeks to complete. Guess we will have to wait and see.
BEAN EXPERIMENT
I found this great bean model life cycle, which went perfect with our bean experiment. We bought ours at Michael's but you can also find them at the website below.
https://www.safariltd.com/products/view/life-cycle-series-life-cycle-of-a-green-bean-plant-figurines-662416
We talked about the life cycle of a bean and she was able to observe each step of the bean's growth through the models. Perfect way to get a better understanding of the bean's life cycle before the actual experiment.
I printed out the bean life cycle and glued them to a green index card. Then placed the cards in random order for her to put them in their correct order. Found these on the website of Teachers pay Teachers.
We placed each bean in a plastic ziplock bag with cotton balls around the beans. Kanani soaked the cotton balls in water and then placed the bean in between the cotton balls. One bag was placed in direct sunlight while the other one was placed in our bedroom, which has no sunlight, it's pretty dark.
It has only been six days and the bean that was placed in the dark has grown almost triple the amount of the one in the light. We were quite surprised that even though the bean had no direct sunlight it still grew. The main thing we noticed was that even though it had grown a lot more the coloration was dull. This was the perfect opportunity to discuss photosynthesis and how the sun affects plants. This experiment was not at all the way we had expected it to go.
Unfortunately the weather hasn't cooperated with us to be able to finish our raisin experiment. We had to throw them away they got really gross looking.
Hope you enjoy our experiments.
GOD BLESS!
