Thos experiment is designed to help you investigate the factors necessary for seed germination

Thos experiment is designed to help you investigate the factors necessary for seed germination. Use the following instructions to conduct your investigation.

This lesson will introduce you to the concept of germination and the factors that influence it. In germination–the growth of a young plant from a seed–the plant embryo resumes growth after a period of dormancy. Seeds need oxygen, water, and proper temperatures to germinate.

There are other factors that may affect the germination of seeds. Some seeds need their tough seed coats altered to become penetrable by water. This natural process is simulated through the agriculture technique of scarification.

Procedure

1. Cut the absorbent paper to make three discs that fit inside the petri dish.

2. Decide how many common radish (Raphanus sativus) seeds, from 1 to 20, you wish to try to germinate. Write that number here. ______

3. Put your group’s name and the date on the petri dish.

4. Place two absorbent paper discs into the bottom section of the petri dish.

5. Spread the radish seeds on top of the paper discs and place the third paper disc on top of the seeds.

6. Using the eyedropper, add water drop-by-drop until the bottom discs of absorbent paper are completely wet but not flooded. Record how many drops of water you added. __________

7. Put the cover on the petri dish and leave undisturbed.

Results (from your group)

Put your data into the class data table. Record other group's data below.

	# of Seeds Germinated Control group	# of seeds Germinated Treatment group
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

2. How many seeds germinated? _____ How many did not germinate? ______

3. Calculate the percent germination.

Questions

1. What is germination?

2. Jane found that 12 seeds out of her original 15 germinated. What percent germinated?

Exploring: Designing and Conduction Your experiment

In this section you will use the technique for radish germination and apply it to an experiment of your choice. You will design, conduct, and share the results of your experiment.

1. What are some conditions or factors that may affect the germination of a radish seed? Write a list in the space below.

2. Choose a factor you would like to investigate. The factor you investigate will be called the treatment. Example; Planting in a dark room.

What is the effect of __________________________ on the germination of Radish seeds

3. Record your observations of the radish seeds in this space below. Calculate percent germination for the treatment and control group. Show your work.

4. What conclusions do you make from your data?

5. Put your data into the class data table. Record other group's data below.

Group	% Germination Control Group	% Germination Treatment Group	Treatment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Expanding Your Experiment

Choose 4 brands from the list of fertilizers to investigate. Design how you intend to investigate your choice in the space below. Bring this to the teacher for approval.

Problem:

Experiment Design:

Data:

Fertilizer Brand	Effect on Germination of Radish
1
2
3
4

Conclusions:

Summary Questions to answer after examining data for the entire class

1. What factors appear necessary for germination?

2. What factors appear to have no influence?

3. What factors lower germination rates?

Back To Main Lesson