why questions · Ages 6-8

Why Do Some Seeds Wait in the Dark Before They Wake Up?

Many seeds stay quiet until they have enough water, warmth, and air, because sprouting at the wrong time can be dangerous.

The whole story

1. At sunrise, a sunflower seed rested under the garden soil. It had a little question. “Why am I still asleep?”

2. The seed listened. The soil was dry. It had no drink to share.

3. By noon, the sun had made the ground warm. But warm soil alone was not enough.

4. Then rain pressed the soil tight. The seed needed air, too, and there was hardly any room to breathe.

5. The seed waited in its little pocket. It did not need a door or a clock. It needed the right moment.

6. The next morning, water had reached the seed. Warmth filled the soil, and air slipped through the spaces.

7. At last, the seed’s shell softened. A tiny root peeked out and held the soil.

8. The root grew down, where it could drink. The shoot curled up, searching for light.

9. The shoot rose above the ground with two small leaves. The seed was awake.

10. The little plant drank, breathed, and stretched toward the sun. Now it had what it needed to begin.

11. Some seeds stay quiet until there is enough water, warmth, and air. Sprouting at the wrong time can be dangerous.

Make a story like this →