Explore |
We are growing three different types of plants at different soil depths, so we think that a seed that is larger will be able to be planted deeper like and soybeans. We learned that if a plant is planted too deep it will die before it reaches the surface. A corn seed needs to be planted about one inch deep where as Alfalfa needs to be planted at most half an inch deep. Some plants like alfalfa roots very quickly so they don't need to be planted as deep. So we want to know if alfalfa can get deeper roots if it's planted a bit deeper and if corn is planted on the surface if it won't develop very good roots. We learned that the hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and you can determine the depth as well based on the root ball. |
Research Question |
We want to study the growth of plants in or out of soil. To see if it actually needs soil or if the depth of the soil will affect it. we want to grow it on a plate or on top of the soil, giving it water to drink and sunlight . so we would be keeping it at a window or under a lamp. |
Predictions |
We predict that if we plant a larger seed like corn it will need to be planted deeper and still be able to get to the surface however if it is planted on top of the soil or doesn't have any soil at all it will tip over because it has no root system. We also think that if we plant smaller seeds near the surface it will survive, But we don't think it will be able to survive in really deep soil because it won't be able to reach the surface to get sun light. |
Experimental Design |
We want to find out how deep and or how shallow we can plant things, and how that will affect the plant. Also if it's able to grow the crop with no soil at all. we also want to know if its possible to grow roots on top of the soil or, extremely deep roots.
MATERIALS
1. Corn seed, Alfalfa seeds, and Soybean seeds
2. Soil
3. small planting pot, tiny dish
4. water
STEPS
(1.) Put soil in Dixie cup
(2.) Put seed on soil, in soil, and in cup with no soil
(3.) Water plant seeds
(4.) Make sure they get enough sun light
(5.) Observe the results |
Conclusion |
Our hypothesis came out sorta right. The plants we thought would grow grew, although some died. We predicted that the corn would grow best in deeper soil, but did grow pretty well in all three of our depths. The alfalfa didn't grow nearly as much though. |
Investigation Theme |
WOS |
Grade Level |
Middle School Students (grades 6,7,8) |
School Name |
Bangor Christian Schools |
Session |
Spring 2019 |