Germination Experiment — Virtual Seed Germination Lab Worksheet

An 8-page editable worksheet for a free online germination simulation. Students choose a variable, grow a dish of seeds, count germination and measure real seedling photographs against millimetre graph paper — then graph, explain and evaluate their own data. No seeds, no waiting, no prep.

Every student runs their own germination experiment — and takes every measurement themselves.
This worksheet drives a free browser-based germination simulation. Students set the conditions, grow a Petri dish of seeds, count percentage germination from the dish photograph, and measure the radicle and plumule of each seedling against millimetre graph paper using an on-screen ruler.

What students do:
Vocabulary gap-fill — embryo, radicle, plumule, and how percentage germination is calculated
Plan a fair test — choose the independent variable and five values, identify the dependent variable, list four control variables and say how each is kept the same
Write a hypothesis that uses the word enzyme
Follow a clear method at 10 seeds per dish, with a table to record their fixed conditions
Record results — germination count, percentage germination, three seedling lengths, and a mean they calculate and show working for
Draw a graph in the framed space provided, and justify line of best fit vs bar chart
Describe, explain and evaluate — including the useful trap that seeds can germinate without growing much, so percentage germination and mean length can disagree
Evaluate the method — curved roots against a straight ruler, sample size, and what a real experiment would show that a model cannot
Stretch task — compare lettuce with radish on a light series and work out why a tiny seed might need light to germinate

What’s included:
8-page worksheet in editable Word (.docx) — print it, assign it digitally, or upload to Google Drive to convert to a Google Doc
PDF version for straight printing

Direct link to the free simulation, printed on the worksheet

What you need:
A device with a web browser and internet. The simulation is free, with no login, no account and nothing to install.Works 1:1, in a computer lab, on tablets, or projected as a whole-class demonstration.

Perfect for:
No-prep practical lessons · Cover and remote learning · Repeating an investigation that failed in the lab · Preparing students before they handle real seeds · Teaching variables, fair testing and graphing with data students collected themselves

Curriculum fit:
IB MYP Sciences (Criteria B and C) · KS3 and IGCSE/GCSE Biology (germination, plant growth, enzymes, experimental design) · NGSS practices on planning investigations and analysing data · Grade 7–9 life science