Solar Power - how sun creates biomass. PreK to Gr 3.

Here is an easy demonstration of how sun creates biomass. The sun enables plants like corn and soybeans to grow and produce oils that in turn can be used to fuel machines producing alternative energy. Unlike gas and oil and coal, these sources of energy are renewable with every growing season.

Plant a bean.
Give children small plastic resealable baggies, a paper towel and a bean seed. Have children fold the paper towel in fourths (small ones will need help with this), tape the bean seed to the center of the towel, place inside the bag and spray with water. Zip the bag closed and tape to the inside of a sunny window. Children will enjoy watching the roots shoot out in just a day or two. In a week bean can be transplanted to a small paper cup of soil.

Materials: Resealable plastic bags, paper towels, bean seeds, water, tape.