Printable · Ages 4–10

Bean Seed Observation Journal

A two-week journal for a bean sprouting in a clear cup: record root and shoot length, draw changes, and make predictions. Not for eating.

Use it with: Bean Seed in a Cup: Watch Roots and Shoots Grow

Original ChefSolus printable. Content checked by AI fact-check and safety passes; not reviewed by a human professional. Review method.

Ages 4–10 · Name: ______________________

How to use

Check your cup once a day. Make sure the paper towel is damp.

Measure the longest root and the longest shoot. Use centimeters, inches, or paper clips. Write "0" if nothing has grown yet.

Write one word about what you see: split, root, hair, hook, leaf, green, mold, or nothing yet.

Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the beans or cup.

It's OK to leave weekend rows blank.

Safety: these beans and sprouts are for watching, not eating, whether dry, soaked or sprouted. Never put beans in your mouth or nose. If you see fuzzy mold, ask an adult to throw that cup away.

Adults: ask families about allergies to beans, peas, soy or peanuts before children handle beans. Don't use red kidney beans. Keep dry and soaked beans away from children under 4 (choking risk), and supervise the whole time.

My name and my bean type:

I predict a root will appear on Day ____ because...

Day	Date	Root length	Shoot length	What I see (one word)
Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Day 0: draw your bean

Day	Date	Root length	Shoot length	What I see (one word)
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14

Draw your bean plant on its best day. Label the root, shoot and leaves.

What came out first, the root or the shoot? What surprised you?