Plant growth log (free printable)
Eight rows for observing a growing plant: the day, the date, the height, a box to draw and a box for words. Edit the days and print one for each child or each group.
To save a PDF, choose Print, then “Save as PDF” as the printer. Only the sheet prints.
About this sheet
Watching a seed become a plant is slow, and a log is how a child makes it count. Each row has a day and a date to write, a place for the height, a box to draw what the plant looks like and a box for words about what has changed. The days are editable, so you can observe every day, every other day or once a week. A log like this turns a bean in a cup into a small piece of science: students measure, record, compare and describe. It suits a classroom experiment, a window sill, a school garden and a homeschool nature study, and teaches a habit of observation that carries to every subject.
Grades: Pre-K to 5. Best in: March, April, May.
How to use it
- Edit the day labels if you like, such as Day 1, Day 3 and so on. Print one log for each child or for each group.
- On each observation day, children measure the plant with a ruler and write the height, draw what they see and write a few words.
- At the end, ask them to compare the first and last drawings, and tell the story of the plant in a sentence or two.
Five ideas for class
- Plant the same seed in two conditions, with light and without, and give each group its own log. Compare the logs at the end.
- Teach measuring with a ruler in centimeters or inches before the first observation, and agree where to measure from.
- Ask students to predict how tall the plant will be in a week, and write the prediction at the top of the log.
- Use words from your science lesson in the observation box, such as root, stem, leaf and sprout, and check them off as they appear.
- Keep the logs in a class binder with a photo of the plant at the end, as a record of the experiment.
Related
Questions
Which seeds work best?
Beans sprout quickly and are easy to handle. Many teachers also use grass seed or peas. Check your school's rules about allergens and soil.
How often should children observe?
Every day for a week, then every few days is typical. The days in the first column are editable to match your plan.
Can it be used for something other than plants?
Yes. Edit the heading to Caterpillar Log or Ice Melting Log. The date, measure, draw and write columns suit any change over time.
How do I save it as a PDF?
Choose Print, then pick “Save as PDF” as the printer. Only the sheet prints: the page around it is hidden. You can also save a sheet as a PNG image under the preview.
Can I print it in black and white?
Yes. Switch to Black and white beside the sheet: fills turn white and lines turn black, so it saves ink and photocopies cleanly.
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