Effect of varying amounts of water on germination rate of radish plant (Arevalo)

Research Question and Hypothesis

What is the optimum amount of water needed for a radish plant to germinate?

Standards

LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms:

• • Genetic factors as well as local conditions affect the growth of the adult plant. (MS-LS1-5)

MS-LS1-5: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.

[Clarification Statement: Examples of local environmental conditions could include availability of food, light, space, and water. Examples of genetic factors could include large breed cattle and species of grass affecting growth of organisms. Examples of evidence could include drought decreasing plant growth, fertilizer increasing plant growth, different varieties of plant seeds growing at different rates in different conditions, and fish growing larger in large ponds than they do in small ponds.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include genetic mechanisms, gene regulation, or biochemical processes.]

Experimental Design

• Set up four planters with four seeds in each planter. Make observations daily until germination is observed in one of the cups.

Independent variable

Amount of water, measured in milliliters using a syringe.

Dependent variables

Germination rate of radish seeds, measured by visual observation.

Series

Study the rate of germination of radish seeds as a function of differing amounts of water over time.

Constants and Controls

Constants and Controls:

• room temperature

• lighting

• type of water

• type of radish seed

• soil (growth medium)

• containers (plastic cups)

• time of day of watering

Materials

• plastic cups (4)

• soil

• 100ml beaker

• 50ml syringe

• radish seeds (16)

• plastic wrap

• post-its for labeling

• narrow stick with cm markings (for making holes)

Procedures

1. Locate area in room where planters can remain undisturbed

2. place 4 cups, each with similar distance to light source, etc. to keep controls/constants the same

3. place 100ml of soil in each up and tap cups to settle soil

4. make 4-1cm holes in soil of each cup using stick - spacing holes out evenly

5. drop 1 seed into each hole and cover holes gently with soil

6. cover each cup with plastic wrap to eliminate evaporation (and need to water)

7. take video/pictures of planters at least once a day until there is evidence of germination

Sample data and graphs

Link to data set and graphs in Google Sheets

Analysis & Conclusions

Based on the evidence and data collected, the optimum amount of water needed to germinate radish seeds in 100ml of soil is 5ml of water.

Photos & Movies

References

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