Grow-It-Yourself Program

Plant Propagation Lesson

Students grow a new plant from a cutting of a healthy parent plant while exploring the science of plant propagation and hydroponics. Students identify plant structures, take and prepare healthy cuttings, and use a Kratky grow jar to develop a new root system they track and measure week-to-week. Finally, students will harvest their plant and use it in a simple recipe. Lessons are composed of both core learning activities and flexible extensions to fit different program needs.

Science - Plant ReproductionNGSS - Plant Structures & Systems

1 - 4 Classes

45 - 75 Minutes

Grades 6 - 8

The Full Student Experience

What Happens Class to Class

1Explore Hydroponics

Students investigate what plants need to survive and compare how soil-based and hydroponic growing systems provide water, nutrients, oxygen, support, and space for plant growth.

2Propagate a Plant

Students learn how plants reproduce from cuttings, identify healthy stems and nodes, and prepare their own plant cuttings to grow a new root system in a Kratky Hydroponic grow jar.

3Observe New Growth

Over several weeks, students monitor water levels and document plant growth, watching for root formation, new leaves, and other evidence their cutting is becoming an independent plant.

4Harvest & Taste

Students harvest the plant they propagated and use it in a simple recipe, completing the full plant lifecycle experience from parent plant to propagation, growth, harvest, and taste!

Skills Built