Lab: Propagating Carnivorous Plants from Seeds

Purpose: Investigate the plant propagation technique of plant division from seeds, and produce a variety of carnivorous plants.
Materials Provided:
    1 Seed pack of assorted carnivorous plant seeds
    1 Cup with lid
    Sphagnum peat moss
    Student directions and data sheet (automatic email delivery)
Materials Needed:
    1 Pint distilled water or rain water
    Optional: Magnifying Glass
    Optional: 3" pots and CP soil
Grade Level: 4-5 elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate.

Carnivorous Plants are easy to sprout from seeds. They require steady conditions of dampness, and low light. It's curious to see the young plantlets which resemble their parents in miniature detail. They slowly grow into mature plants.

In this laboratory experience students learn and practice the propagation method of division from seeds.. They observe and sow seeds in damp peat, record observations, and harvest young carnivorous plant plantlets. They can also identify and investigate the variables that affect this process. A productive experiment will end with dozens of healthy carnivorous plants. Students may opt to plant them up and take them home.

This series of carnivorous plant lab investigations is based on scientific inquiry standards of the National Science Education Standards, and are consistent with State Learning Objectives. Students have the opportunity to think and act like scientists during these investigations. Written and classroom tested by Michael Szesze, Awarding Winning Science Teacher.