Do Stems Grow Up and Root Grow Down?
You have already observed stems grow up and roots grow down. Even underground, the stem knows which way is up and the root knows which way is down. Can they become confused? Here is an experiment to try.

What You Need
Seed: Two bean or corn seeds.
Container: A jelly jar or pickle jar with a water-tight lid.
Soil Mix: Potting soil.

What To Do
Pour in about 5 cm of soil mix, or enough to fill half the jar. Now put a bean or corn seed against the glass on one side. Plant another seed on the other side, but face the other end of the seed up. Now fill the jar to the top with soil mix. Pour water into the jar until it rises to the top. Let the water stand in the jar for two hours, then pour off most of it. Put on the lid tightly and stand the jar in a warm place but out of the sun. The next morning, loosen the lid so air can get in, but don't take it off.

What To Look For Next  Soon the seeds will sprout.
1. Which direction do the stem and root grow?
2. Did it matter which end of the seed was facing up?
3. When the root is 2 to 3 cm long, lie the jar on its side. Record what happens.
4. When the root is another 2 to 3 cm long, screw on the lid and turn the jar upside down. Record what happens.

Draw pictures of your findings:

Jar with seeds planted showing both sides.	Jar with seed sprouted showing both sides.
After 2nd growth show one seed and the other.	After the 3 growth, show one seed and the other.

What Happens? Draw conclusions based upon your observations. Pictures