Explore |
2 days ago we learned that seeds can be dorment or active and growing. The seed starts with some ATP energy to break the surface and begin the photosysis proccess phase. |
Research Question |
How does the amount of sand in the soil affect the germination speed of an alfalfa plant? |
Predictions |
If we plant an alfalfa seed in all sand, then it will germinate slower than a plant in soil. This is because sand absorbs water, and the seed will not have enough water. |
Experimental Design |
1. Gather materials
2. Make the soil mixture of half sand, half soil
3. Put this mixture into the Bottle Edge Model
4. Plant 5 alfalfa seeds in soil mixture
5. Watch plant for signs of germination (daily)
6. Measure rate of germination (when the seed coat falls off)
7. Record data
8. Repeat steps with 1/4 sand 3/4 soil, 1/4 soil 3/4 sand, all sand, and all soil instead of the previous mixture |
Conclusion |
The results for our experiment regarding to how the amount of sand in soil affects the germination speed of an alfalfa seed, were inconclusive. For the all soil mixture, there were 4/5 seed germinations over the course of ten days. For the 1/4 sand and the 1/2 sand mixtures, there were 3/5 seed germinations. 1/4 soil had 0/5 plant germinations. But, the all sand mixture jumped back up to 4/5 seed germinations. One of the main problems with sand as a growth medium is its inability to hold water. But, the sand mixture had the same rate of germination as the all soil mixture. This could be from a lack of drainage out the bottom of the planter. One plant was hit by a ball during the experiment. These all make the data somewhat questionable. |
Investigation Theme |
WOS |
Grade Level |
Middle School Students (grades 6,7,8) |
Session |
Spring 2019 |