Sunflower Germination
This movie shows sunflower seeds just beginning to grow. This is called germination. The seeds swell up with water. Roots begin to grow down from the seeds to water and darkness. At the same time, stems and leaves begin to grow up to the light. See how the seedlings seem to dance around as they grow? There was no wind in the room. The plants are moving on their own, as if they are looking for the best light. Light turns the plant green and helps the plants make their own food.
This movie is used by permission from Roger Hangarter. Check the Plants-In-Motion website for many more fascinating movies of plant growth. They also have learning projects described, including how to make flip books from the movie images. Find Plants-In-Motion at http://sunflower.bio.indiana.edu/~rhangart/plantsinmotion.html.
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