05. Effect of lower gravity on plant growth

Context:

Task: You will perform an experiment (or collect results, depending on time) and watch another experiment. You will then write your conclusion for these experiment using the questions below as guidance.

You will be evaluated using Criterion C.

Roots and Shoots

Materials:

• • 1 Coleus amboinicus plant

  • Tape

  • Classroom chair

  • Rope

  • 3 Phaseolus vulgaris beans

  • petri dish

  • tissue

  • water

PART A

1. Each group needs to grab one Coleus amboinicus plant.

2. Measure the angle of the stalk using polar graph paper. Record your results in a table in the Google spreadsheet here.

3. Place the plants in front of the window in the Science room in each way: regular, on the side (securing the opening of the pot with tape), upside down (securing the opening with tape and using one of the chairs).

4. Let the plants grow for 5 days and record your observations.

5. Record the angle of the stalk bend using polar paper. Compare your results to Step 1. If you are just collecting results, assume that the original angle was zero.

6. Take 3 Phaseolus vulgaris seeds that have been rooting for a few day.

7. Grab one petri dish and place some tissue as shown by your teacher.

8. Place your seeds on top of the tissue under various angles.

9. Cover the petri dish and leave propped up against the wall.

10. Record the observations. What type of data would you be collecting here - quantitative or qualitative?

11. Go to PART B

PART B

1. Watch the time-lapse video of the red kidney beans growing roots and shoots.

2. Record your observations.

3. Write a conclusion for your experiments (both parts) using the questions below as guidelines.

THESE QUESTIONS APPLY TO BOTH PARTS A AND B (You can watch the videos below for extra information)

(a) Which way did the plants grow their stalks and root? Comment of the stalk and the roots.

(b) Explain what happened to the growth of your plant using the words GRAVITROPISM and PHOTOTROPISM.

(c) What do you think would happen to plant stalks and roots grown at zero gravity (in space)?

(d) What light waves are necessary for plants to grow? To find out, perform this simulation.

(e) Watch this video. Explain which LED lighting needs to be used to grow plants in space. Why are green LED lights are of particular interest? Make sure to mention Chlorophyll.

(f) Which part of the plant cell is responsible for taking in light and processing it into glucose?

(g) Why does the Veggie System need to use only single-use 'pillows'?

(h) What implications do your finding have on the humanity's ability to grow plants in space?

Life is a Flower