Grades 6–8 (Kit)
Crack the case of the mystery seed! This engaging kit transforms your students into agricultural detectives as they explore plant classification through observation and investigation. By examining traits such as seed size, shape, and color, students practice critical thinking and classification skills while working to identify the mystery seed.
Perfect for middle school science or agriculture classes, this activity supports standards for classification, structure and function, and data-based reasoning in a real-world context.
Kit Contents
- Random sampling of seeds: sunflower, wheat, popcorn, lentil, lima bean, pea, pinto bean, and soybean
- 9 large manila envelopes for seed sets
- 9 small manila “mystery seed” envelopes
- 9 hand lenses for close examination
Lesson Plans
Use this kit with the Classified: Crop Case Files lesson plan on the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix. Students will investigate, record observations, and work collaboratively to solve the mystery seed challenge.
Extend the Learning
Challenge students to create their own “mystery seed” cases for classmates or add additional seed types to increase difficulty. This activity can also be paired with plant growth investigations to observe seedlings and verify identifications.
