There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the responsibility I have to my students. Each morning I greet them at the door and look into their eager faces and dancing eyes and I am humbled and yet grateful for being their teacher. So many of them are like sponges; ready to absorb knowledge and expand. Can I do this, I wonder? Some days I am confident and know that I am doing a good job, then on other days, I ponder...did I plant seeds of knowledge today, or did I just keep them busy?
Recently we have been learning about the parts of a seed and what seeds and plants need in order to grow and mature. Our experiment began with a lima bean. I knew this seed would show results quickly. We discussed the parts of a seed and what is inside, and the basic needs of a seed. Then we "planted" the seed wrapped in a wet paper towel and put it in a plastic cup. We measured, made predictions, recorded information and then discussed the virtue of patience while waiting for our seed to "do something." And something they did do. They sprouted and within a week were ready to be transplanted into a bigger container. I simply asked my students to bring in an empty can to use as a pot. We filled the "can pots" with potting soil, put our bean seedling in the can and again discussed the virtue of being patient while waiting for our seedling to "do something."
And do something it did. Our seedlings grew into plants. Now we wait even longer for our plant to blossom and bloom and produce beans. I wonder....will they like lima beans? Um...
Whether or not they like lima beans is irrelevant. The students are so excited about their very own bean seed plant. Every day someone comes up to me to tell me about his or her plant. Wow, how exciting that my students are excited about science! Can I do this? Why yes, I believe I just have.
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