| Explore | Seeds are dormant, the only way that a seed will grow and start to germinate is when three needs are met. The seed must have proper water, correct temperature, and a good location. When the seed's needs are met the plant´s shell is softened and the roots and leaves grow out of the seed’s shell. After the seed´s shell softens the roots come out of the seed and due to gravity the roots grow down. The seed uses its´s shell as food, it eats the soft inside of the seed, and then when it grows enough the plant will start to grow and use the process of cellular respiration. |
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| Research Question | Does the size of the seed affect the rate of germination? |
| Predictions | If each seed is given 11 mL of water each day then Alfalfa, the smallest seed, will germinate the fastest because the seed is smaller and will take less water to germinate. |
| Experimental Design | Independent Variable: The different types of seeds. Dependent Variable: The amount of time it takes for the seeds to germinate. Variables of Control: The amount of light the seeds get, the amount of water the seeds get, and the temperature they are in. Materials: 10 of each seed, 11 mL of water each day, 10 plastic bags, and 10 pieces of paper towel. Get 5 plant seeds each, 11 mL of water, a plastic bag, and paper towel Put 11 mL of water on the paper towel. Add the seeds evenly then put the paper towel and seeds in a plastic bag. Repeat the process for each group of seeds. Add 11 mL of water each day and see which seeds germinate first. |
| Conclusion | The smaller the seed the quicker the seed will germinate compared to larger seeds. In our experiment the data we collected proved our hypothesis correct, the smaller the seed the quicker the seed will germinate/increase in germination rate. Alfalfa and Pearl Millet, the two smallest seeds, grew the fastest. 20% of the Alfalfa seeds grew by the first measuring day and Pearl Millet grew 30% by the first measuring day. In total, it took 3 days for both Alfalfa and Pearl Millet for all seeds to germinate. While the largest seeds, Corn and Peas, only grew 10%(corn) and 0%(peas) by the first measuring day. In the end it took 4 days for Peas to germinate fully. However, Corn, took all five days and only 80% of the seeds germinated fully. The smaller seeds took 1-(unknown) days less to germinate compared to the larger seeds. The larger seeds took 4-all of the days to germinate. As you can see, the smaller seeds germinate the fastest and had the highest germination rate. My evidence supports my claim because of the scientific process of germination and the shells of the seeds. During germination the seeds shell must soften for the seed to sport/grow. Most often times smaller seeds have a more permeable shell and absorb water easier than bigger seeds. The more water that the seeds take in the softer it will become and it will germinate faster. Overall larger seeds often have the higher fitnesses rather than smaller seeds that have quicker germination time, growth rate, and overall number of germinated seeds. So, when we did an experiment testing the seeds germination the smaller seeds finished germinating faster because the shell softened fasted, letting the seeds germinate faster. Also seeds have very small holes in their outer layer. This to let in the water. Once there is enough water the seed opens and begins to grow. Smaller seeds need to take in less water to open. The experiment did support my prior knowledge, hypothesis, and claim. I said that the smaller seeds would germinate and the evidence we collected supported that. I believe that our test was fair because we only changed the type/size of seeds. Which would show that all other conditions would be the same, other than the seed type. |
| Investigation Theme | WOS |
| Teacher Name | Kristen Stiem |
| School Name | DeWitt Middle School |
| Session | Spring 2021 |