This experiment requires that light be charged in some way for plants that are already rpoducing seeds.

We take two mature bean plants that are producing blossoms and beans. One is moved to an area of the room that is shady, or in shadow, and the other gets very bright sunlight (not in shade). If possible one can be taken outside into bright sunlight.

After three weeks harvest all the beans from each plant and compare.

The students weigh the bean pods, then harvest the beans and wiegh them. Then they should see if this difference in light affected seed production.

Notes to the teacher: This experiment can be used to fulfill the Oregon Benchmarks of: (1). Measure length, perimeter, weight, area, time, and temperature using standard and nonstandard units of measurement. Students will measure in length and perimeter-inches, feet, yards, centimeters and weight-pounds, kilograms.
(2). Carry out simple experiments and simulations and compare the predicted and actual outcomes.
(3.) Plan a simple investigation.
(4.)Collect data from an investigation.
(5.) Use the data collected from an investigation to explain the results.

The students do not have to use beans, they can plan the experiment using their own ideas and choose their own plants. Be sure their experiment has a control (plant in sun) and then a real difference in light. If students wish to investigate other types of light then these plants can be added to the experiment.