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Sample Questions and Experiments

Sample Questions
Plant Growth Factor Question
Soil Does the type of soil really make a difference in plant growth?
Water Does a plant really need additional water to grow?
Air Do plants really need air to grow?
Light Do plants actually need light to grow?
Temperature How does temperature affect plant growth?
Organic Matter Does organic matter affect plant growth?
Nutrients Does the addition of nutrients to the soil affect plant growth?

Sample Experiments
Plant Growth Factor Experiment
Soil Plant at least 10 bean seeds in each of four different soil types – sand, silt, clay, and loam (potting soil). Keep all other factors the same. Every day, measure elements such as time to germinate, plant height, and the number of seeds to germinate.
Water Plant at least 10 bean seeds in each of two trays using potting soil. Water one tray, but do not water the other. Keep all other factors the same. Every day, measure elements such as time to germinate, plant height, and the number of seeds to germinate.
Air Plant at least 10 bean seeds in a tray using potting soil. Plant 10 bean seeds in a fairly large plastic container with a lid (such as a tall Rubbermaid or Tupperware container) using potting soil. You will need to use tape, rubber tubing, a clamp, and a funnel. Poke a hole in the lid of the container that is the approximate size of the rubber tubing. Push the tube through the hole and tape it into place, trying to make the opening air tight. Put the clamp on the tube a couple of inches from the top of the container. Attach the tubing to the funnel. To water your plants, without allowing air to enter the container, pour water in the funnel making sure all of the air bubbles have escaped. Release enough pressure from the clamp to allow the water to go into the container slowly, but put the clamp back on before all of the water runs through the tube. Other systems will also work to accomplish this task. Keep all other factors the same. Every day, measure elements such as time to germinate, plant height, and the number of seeds to germinate.
Light Plant at least 10 bean seeds in each of two trays using potting soil. Place a box over one of the trays to block out light. Keep all other factors the same. Every day, measure elements such as time to germinate, plant height, and the number of seeds to germinate.
Temperature Plant at least 10 bean seeds in each of three trays using potting soil. Place one tray in an ice bath. Place one tray on a heating pad. Leave one tray at room temperature. Keep all other factors the same. Every day, measure elements such as time to germinate, plant height, and the number of seeds to germinate.
Organic Matter Plant at least 10 bean seeds in each of two trays using sand (a soil type with little to no organic matter). Add fine mulch to one tray. Keep all other factors the same. Every day, measure elements such as time to germinate, plant height, and the number of seeds to germinate.
Nutrients Plant at least 10 bean seeds in each of two trays using potting soil. Add fertilizer to one tray (ex: Miracle-Gro, etc.). Keep all other factors the same. Every day, measure elements such as time to germinate, plant height, and the number of seeds to germinate.

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