| Explore | In past years we have not learned too much about the growth and germination of plants. However, we do know that plants need water, carbon dioxide, sunlight, nutrient filled soil, and ideal temperature conditions. |
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| Research Question | We are interested in how temperature affects the germination and plant growth. We came up with this question by thinking about how the earth's temperature is changing drastically and how this will affect plants. We already know that germination only occurs when conditions are ideal for that plant, so will plants soon have to adapt to new conditions? We also know that there are certain parts around the world where its either too hot or too cold for the survivial of plants. |
| Predictions | We predict the growth chamber with the heating mat will have the best growth and germination results. We think this will give it the extra edge over the room temperature because it has been proven that higher temperatures speed up germination. This is because heat increases chemical reactions as the molecules move faster with heat. We predict that the chamber placed in the fridge will have the least success. We think this because the cold has been known slow down reaction in the plant. It may also freeze plant cells, which prevents nutrients and water from reaching and feeding the plant. In addition to this, the fridge will also lack light which may be difficult when comparing the different chamber. |
| Experimental Design | Our plan is to have three different growth chambers, each with varying temperatures, and observe how each one germinates and grows. We have decided to grow soybean seeds. We will put 10 soybean seeds in clear plastic growth chambers. Then, one will be grown at room temperature, one will be grown on a heating mat and one will be grown in the fridge. We are going to observe how tall the plant grows (height) and the percentage of seeds that germinate. We will keep the amount of water, light and soil constant. We will record in multiple charts. |
| Conclusion | |
| Investigation Theme | WOS |
| Grade Level | High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
| School Name | Orillia Secondary School |
| Session | Spring 2018 |