Plant and observe local Caribbean crops to discover how seedlings are similar to - but not exactly like - their parent plants.
The Caribbean has a rich tradition of home gardens and farming. By growing local plants like pigeon peas (gungo peas), okra, and sorrel, students connect science to Caribbean culture and cuisine. These fast-growing plants allow students to observe how baby plants resemble their parents - with some interesting differences!
Growing a Caribbean Garden is an ongoing project where students plant seeds from local crops and observe how the seedlings develop. Through careful observation and journaling, students discover that young plants share features with their parent plants (same leaf shape) but also have differences (smaller size, lighter color). This hands-on activity teaches about inheritance and growth while connecting to Caribbean agricultural traditions.
Life Science: Inheritance and Variation
Germination: 5-7 days | Features: Distinctive three-part leaves
A Caribbean favorite used in rice and peas! Fast-growing with easy-to-identify leaves.
Germination: 4-7 days | Features: Large, heart-shaped leaves
Used in callaloo and other dishes. Sprouts quickly with recognizable leaf shape.
Germination: 7-10 days | Features: Red stems, pointed leaves
Used to make the traditional Caribbean Christmas drink. Colorful and distinctive.
Germination: 3-5 days | Features: Two large seed leaves first
Very fast growing! Great for seeing quick results. Compare to adult bean plants.
Bring in students' baby photos to compare - like parents but not exactly!
Visit a local farm to see parent plants growing and producing seeds.
Create a display showing seed → seedling → adult plant progression.
When plants are ready (or use store-bought), taste the food these plants produce!
"How can you tell this seedling will grow into an okra plant?"
"Why is the baby plant smaller and lighter green than the parent?"
"What do plants need to grow big and strong?"
"Are you exactly like your parents? How are you similar? Different?"
"What would happen if we planted a mango seed?"
