HelpfulGardener.com

ok one of the things my son needs to do for his gardening merit badge is to test 100 seeds for germination. This is directly from the site

Test 100 garden seeds for germination. Determine the percentage of seeds that germinate. Explain why you think some did not germinate.
https://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges/mb-GARD.aspx

what is the best method for doing that, I was thinking either in a zip lock bag with a paper towel, or on a paper plate with a paper towel??

also what would be the best thing for him to test, I am guessing something that has a seed small enough that there will be 100 in a packet, but not so small that he can't "easily" count them

also, while I am at it, does anybody know a website where he can find info on #2, food value of fruits and veggies.

Either method ... the paper towel in a plastic baggie or the paper towel on a plate ... would work equally well. To avoid the seeds just molding and rotting, I use the towel on a plate method. However, they cannot be allowed to dry out, so that method requires more attention.

What about just using dried beans from the grocery store ... the kind you would buy to cook and eat?

I agree with the paper plate and towel. Put it in top the frig for warmth and keep it moist. Beans from the store are the easiest and best way for a scout to do it. (thats what I used when I was that age) For sure if he is not going to try to grow plants. May take a couple of plates to get all in there, but try not to let the touch each other. Good Luck

great, thank you, I didn't even think of beans from the store, we have plenty of those.