| Explore | Knowing that sunlight is the primary source of energy for all living things and photosynthesis is the metabolic process that converts light energy into usable chemical energy, this lab will further explore the role of sunlight in photosynthesis and their impact on the rate at which seeds germinate and plants grow. |
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| Research Question | How do varying levels of exposure to sunlight affect the rate at which a seed germinates? |
| Predictions | Primary: If a seed is exposed to a minimized level of direct sunlight, then the seed will take more time to germinate than a seed that is exposed to optimal sunlight because sunlight provides the sole source of energy for photosynthesis, which is the process that allows plants to generate chemical energy that can be used to fuel its metabolic necessities. Null: If a seed is exposed to a minimized level of direct sunlight, then the seed will not take more time to germinate than a seed that is exposed to optimal sunlight |
| Experimental Design | Materials: 1. Seeds (enough for two treatment groups) 2. Water 3. Ziplock bag 4. Paper towel 5. Cotton 6. Container 7. Ruler 8. Camera Procedure Part 1: Seed Preparation (varies depending on seed type, but this is a rough outline) 1. Collect seed (from selected fruit or vegetable) 2. Count the number of seeds used 3. Wash seeds 4. Peel off outer shell Part 2: Growth Chamber Preparation 1. Dampen a cotton pad 2. Place seed into the center of cotton pad 3. Place a thin paper towel on top 4. Dampen the paper towel to ensure that there is moisture and that the seed is visible 5. Place the cotton pad with the seed into a ziplock bag 6. Seal the ziplock bag 7. Repeat for the second treatment Part 3: Experiment and Data Collection 1. Label the two treatments #1 and #2 2. Place both growth chambers in an outdoors environment 3. Place a paper towel on top of treatment #2 4. Take measurements daily |
| Investigation Theme | WOS |
| Grade Level | High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
| Teacher Name | Diana Cost |
| School Name | Wilbraham Monson Academy |
| Session | Spring 2021 |