Humans use the plant energy and nutrients in their own bodies for energy, growth and maintenance. B. Lesson Plan Explain that when seeds and pulses are sprouted, their nutritional content multiplies many times. Results are quick and the end result is crunchy and tasty. Plus, sprouting is an excellent way of demonstrating how plants use light and water, and the energy contained in their seeds, to reproduce. Most dried beans, pulses, lentils and seeds are very easy to sprout and provide a healthy food all year round in a jar.
Sprouts provide protein, carbohydrate, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Sprouting seeds can be bought from a health food shop or any supermarket. No elaborate equipment is necessary, just the seeds or beans you intend to sprout, water, a warm place out of direct sunlight for the sprouts to grow and a container. Sprouting trays are available from health food stores but jars are more visible and can be more fun for kids. Children can try sprouting mung beans, chickpeas, alfalfa, radish, mustard and cress, wheat, aduki beans and soya beans, to name a few. The pupils may have more suggestions.