Explore |
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Research Question |
How does salt concentration affect fern germination and growth? |
Predictions |
We think that higher salt concentration will cause there to be less germination and growth for the ferns. This is because the salt will dehydrate the ferns and deprive them of nutrients. |
Experimental Design |
We added 0%, .01%, .05%, and .5% concentrations of salt to the augur in each petri dish. This was replenished every Wednesday. We observed the ferns every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Once they got big enough, we identified 5 ferns in each dish with a sharpie in order to measure growth. We used the arrow in the microscope on scanning power to measure growth. |
Conclusion |
In conclusion, as salt concentration increased, germination increased as well. This is a direct relationship and is the opposite of what we thought. In the .01% concentration, % germinated went from 30% to 52% to 100% on 3/6, 3/8, and 3/13, respectively; in the .05% it went from 26% to 60% to 100%; in the .5% it went from 27% to 74% to 100%; and in the control it went from 13% to 48% to 100%. This may be due to the fact that plants under stress (salt) can be spurred to grow a bit faster. Also, the salt concentrations we added may not have been enough to have a significant negative effect on the ferns. In later experiments, growth could be measured as well (we didn't have time) to add to the germination data, and higher salt concentrations could be tested. |
Investigation Theme |
CFERN |
Grade Level |
High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
School Name |
Cheyenne Central High School |
Session |
Spring 2017 |