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    Home » Early Years Science » Spring Science – Cress Caterpillar

    Spring Science – Cress Caterpillar

    March 23, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 25 Comments

    This is our cress caterpillar. You can see in the photo that 3 of the segments are a lighter shade of green than the other three. Can you guess why this might be?

    How to grow a cress caterpillar

    • cress seeds
    • an egg box, cut into segments
    • water
    cress caterpillar made with eggboxes


    Cress Caterpillar Instructions

    • Place some cress seeds in each segment of the egg box.
    • Place three segments on one plate or tray and three on another plate or tray.
    • Add water to all, and place one plate on a windowsill and one in the dark.
    • Water frequently.
    cress caterpillar for a science experiment

    The cress should grow within a few days. I gave my ‘in the dark seeds’ a little light to help them grow, which is why they are slightly green.

    Why are the cress leaves green?

    I was very surprised that the seeds grew so well without any soil. They got everything they needed to grow from the water and nutrients stored in the seed.

    Green plants make sugar for growth through a process called photosynthesis.

    Carbon dioxide + water  (and light ) ———> glucose and oxygen

    Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplast cells, which contain a substance called chlorophyll which makes plants green.

    Sunlight is also needed to make chlorophyll; this is why the cress seeds exposed to less sunlight are less green than those kept in the sun.

    More plant and seed science for kids

    Make an edible butterfly life cycle; use our free template to make it easy!

    Edible Butterfly Life cycle. Fruit and vegetables used to make an edible butterfly life cycle.

    Dissect a flower to learn about the different parts.

    labelled flower diagram using real flowers

    Grow a bean in a jar!

    Bean plant in a jar showing the roots after germination

    Find out about leaf transpiration with Teach Beside Me.

    Image of a cress caterpillar. Some cress seeds grown in the dark so the leaves are yellow rather than green

    Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela

      March 23, 2012 at 2:46 pm

      this is totally cute! I love how you made a science project into a toy!

      Reply
    2. Susan Mann

      March 23, 2012 at 2:46 pm

      ooh this is so cute. I need to find where to get cress seeds, I’m so going to make this. x

      Reply
    3. MsXpat

      March 23, 2012 at 3:13 pm

      How cute this one caterpillar I’ll eat, lol

      Reply
    4. Toys In The Dryer

      March 23, 2012 at 4:45 pm

      I’d like to invite you to share this with our readers for Fun Stuff Friday @Toys In The Dryer http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2012/03/fun-stuff-fridays-16.html.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        March 24, 2012 at 9:57 pm

        Done!

        Reply
    5. ellen

      March 24, 2012 at 4:48 pm

      What are cress seeds? Watercress?

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        March 24, 2012 at 9:56 pm

        Its just garden cress, I think its related to watercress though . 🙂

        Reply
    6. sarahmumof3

      March 24, 2012 at 5:14 pm

      I must do this with mine great caterpiller!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        March 24, 2012 at 9:56 pm

        Thanks xx

        Reply
    7. Mary\

      March 26, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Lovely idea! and tasty as well! love the way you’ve started teaching them science – never too young!!

      Reply
    8. Marta mama Nikusia

      March 27, 2012 at 10:15 pm

      Great 🙂

      Reply
    9. Lydia

      March 28, 2012 at 12:47 am

      These are seriously cool- I love a fun way to get my littles interested in science. Very nice.

      Reply
    10. maggy, red ted art

      March 28, 2012 at 5:22 pm

      I love your caterpillar, it is sooo cute!

      Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy & Alissa

      Reply
    11. Isil

      March 29, 2012 at 2:05 pm

      Oh my, this is absolutely lovely! Thanks for linking up to Kids Coop.

      Reply
    12. Carrie

      March 29, 2012 at 6:25 pm

      What a great lesson!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday! I hope you will share again this week with us!

      Reply
    13. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

      March 30, 2012 at 1:05 am

      Cute little caterpillar! And, of course, I love the science in it. 🙂

      Reply
    14. [email protected]

      April 01, 2012 at 9:15 pm

      This is adorable! Thank you for linking this up with Tuesday Tots! I am featuring this this upcoming Tuesday 🙂

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 04, 2012 at 12:50 pm

        oh thank you 🙂

        Reply

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