| Explore | How perfect do conditions have to be for seeds to germinate and thrive? Would they be able to last in more acidic or basic conditions in the wild? |
|---|---|
| Research Question | How does acidity impact seed germination and growth? |
| Predictions | If the soil is acidic then the plant will receive fewer nutrients and have stunted growth. Null: If the soil is not acidic then the plant will not receive fewer nutrients and not have stunted growth. If the soil is basic then the plant will receive fewer nutrients and have stunted growth. Null: If the soil is not basic then the plant will not receive fewer nutrients and not have stunted growth. If the soil is neutral (pH of 7) then the plant will maximize nutrient absorption and grow to its full potential. Null: If the soil is not neutral (pH of 7) then the plant will not maximize nutrient absorption and will not grow to its full potential |
| Experimental Design | "soil" refers to the cotton ball Step 1) Soil will be placed into three separate plastic cups. Step 2) The bags will be labeled “ acidic” “basic” and “neutral”. Step 3) Balsamic vinegar will be mixed with water mixed into the bag labeled “acidic” then evenly mixed into the soil to create a solution with a pH around 3. Step 4) Mix baking soda and water to create a basic solution with a pH of around 9. Step 5) The solution will be poured into the soil labeled “basic” Step 6) Water will be placed into the cup labeled “neural” and evenly mixed into the soil. *Important Note: the same amount of each solution (lemon water, soapy water, and plain water) will be placed into each cup. Step 7) The same number of seeds (2 per cotton ball) will be placed into each of the balls which is soaked in solution. Step 8) The baggies will be placed on a sunny window sill. Step 9: The seedling’s/plant’s heights will be recorded every time the solutions are replenished over a two-week period. |
| 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 |