| Explore | We know that plants go through something called photosynthesis, a process in which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. The food or sugar is called glucose. After this process, plants give off oxygen as a form of gas exchange. Plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Some plant experiences outside of school include gardening, going to the park, and even on the sidewalk. |
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| Research Question | We would like to test how the planting a nasturtium seed in different materials -such as gravel and sand- will affect the plant's germination. We knew we wanted to test the factor affecting germination of soil, because there are many conditions for soil that a plant needs to germinate, and we were curious if there would be an impact if we changed just one of those conditions. When we brainstormed, we decided on this question. The question fits what we already know about the topic because we already know about germination, including what a plant needs to germinate. |
| Predictions | My prediction was that they would all grow, but not at the same time. I thought that because the rocks do not help the seeds germinate, it's just like hydroponics. |
| Experimental Design | Our plan is to test how different materials affect the germination of nasturtium seeds. We are doing this by planting seeds in three different materials - fine white sand, gravel, and soil as our control. Each seeds will be planted in its own plastic cup with five holes, evenly spaced out, in the bottom of the cup. We will be measuring and observing the growth (height and width) of each plant. The variables we are keeping constant are the amount of sunlight and water the plant is given, and the soil depth at which the seed is planted. We are recording data in a data table, with different columns and rows for each plant. |
| Conclusion | I can claim that it takes longer for a seed to germinate in gravel and rocks, than in soil. |
| Investigation Theme | WOS |
| Grade Level | Middle School Students (grades 6,7,8) |
| School Name | San Francisco Friends School |
| Session | Spring 2018 |