Can the texture of a seed’s coat decide how quickly it wakes up to grow? Our curious CIE 4 learners set out to investigate this fascinating question through a hands-on exploration of seed germination.
They selected seeds with tough, hard coats like rajma and peas, and others with soft, smooth coats like tomato and cucumber. Using magnifying lenses, they observed the surface details—ridges, glossiness, and grain. Then came the tactile test: a gentle scratch with a scalpel to check the resistance of the seed coat.
The seeds were soaked, observed for swelling, and finally placed on moist cotton beds in seed trays. Over time, patterns began to emerge—some seeds absorbed water faster and germinated sooner, while others took their time.
Through this investigation, students discovered how something as simple as a seed coat can influence water uptake and sprouting time—insights that hold real value in agriculture and sustainability. The learning? Sometimes, growth begins with what’s just skin deep.
“Every seed holds a secret—and sometimes, it’s in the skin.”
