A Swell Activity with Beans

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In this combination chemistry and physics activity, learners explore water absorption in dried beans or peas and learn how this affects their physical properties. They observe changes in size, skin, texture, color and other features. If desired, they can take it one step further and see if the soaking of the beans affects their sprouting ability in any way.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 4 test vials with lids
  • 4-6 different types of dried beans and/or peas
  • Waterproof marker
  • Metric ruler
  • Glue

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density

Informal Categories

  • Gardening

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009