| Explore | Based on the information we have researched and found out in class, we know how to correctly prepare plates to germinate the spores. We also know the process of the fern life cycle that we are working with. |
|---|---|
| Research Question | How do different growth mediums affect the germination of C. Fern spores? |
| Predictions | I think the Carolina nutrient agar will result in the highest chances of germination because it could help to further develop the spores before they are germinated. It makes more sense for this to happen because without the nutrients, the spores could result in less gametophyte production. The nutrients can help the process move along more efficiently. Compared to the nutrient agar, it is likely that the non nutrient agar can make the spores more susceptible to contamination or it can slow down the production of gametophytes. |
| Experimental Design | First, plates were prepared with Carolina nutrient agar. This was done by mixing normal agar powder with Carolina nutrients and mixing into boiling water. The agar was evenly distributed into four petri dishes. Once that was stored properly and set for a day, we used 100 microliters of a spore suspension of C. Fern. We used a disposable spreading tool to create a lawn of the spores on the petri dish. To store the plates, we placed them upside down in ziploc bags with the seals half closed. The different groups were nutrient agar, non nutrient agar, and spore nutrients. |
| Investigation Theme | CFERN |
| Grade Level | High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
| Teacher Name | William Bartenslager |
| School Name | Palm Beach Central High School |
| Session | Spring 2023 |