The growth and development of a plant is one of the most spectacular events in nature. Yet, because it happens so slowly, over the course of days or weeks, it is difficult to observe in real time. Watch this video from NOVA: "The Shape of Things", which depicts plant growth in time-lapse format. Students can observe in just a few seconds some of the most important life stages of a plant, from germination to the formation of a flower, and several phases in between.