Saltwater and Lima Bean Germination Lab

Get your students thinking like real scientists with the Saltwater and Lima Bean Germination Lab! This hands-on activity is a great way to explore how something as simple as salt in water can affect plant growth—and it ties perfectly into conversations about climate change and sustainable farming.

Students will make predictions, test their ideas, and track their results as they see how lima beans respond to different levels of saltwater. It’s a straightforward setup that leads to meaningful discussions and helps students strengthen their understanding of the scientific method without feeling overwhelmed.

Why you’ll love this lab:
✅ It’s relevant—connects science to real-world issues like agriculture and the environment
✅ It’s simple to run but super engaging
✅ It reinforces key skills like making observations, collecting data, and drawing conclusions
✅ It’s perfect for middle or high school life science or environmental science classes

Here’s what’s included:
• Student Lab – step-by-step procedures and built-in data tables for seamless student use
• An instructor answer key to make your life easier

You’ll need:
• Lima beans
• Salt
• Tap water
• Plastic beakers
• Stirrers
• Tape and a Sharpie
• Paper towels
• Plastic bags
• An electric scale

This lab is a fun, low-prep way to help your students connect plant science to the world around them—while practicing the kind of thinking and problem-solving that real scientists do every day.