SEED GERMINATION LAB

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Plants require certain conditions for optimal growth and development. Environmental factors can effect the germination of seeds and subsequent growth of plants. Farmers must evaluate environmental conditions before planting crops to improve the chances of producing a high yield crop.

Problem: How doenvironmental conditions promote seed germination?

Select an environmental condition to test and rewrite the problem. (You must have teacher approval before continuing)

Write a hypothesis for the experiment in the if-then format.

Design an experiment using the below materials and requirements.

1. Use 5-10 seeds for each group (experimental and control)

2. Write your names on the bags and mark experimental or control group.

3. Place seeds in a wet paper towel for each group and place in a Ziploc bag (do not seal all the way- seeds need oxygen to germinate).

Create a chart or data table to record your data.

Graph your results, write a conclusion. One lab report needs to be turned in per person. Make sure your partner’s name is on your report along with your own.

Lab Report Template and Rubric

Title: (5 pts.)

* a brief, concise, yet descriptive title

Statement of the Problem: (10 pts.)

* What question(s) are you trying to answer?
* Include any preliminary observations or background information about the subject

Hypothesis (if…then…format): (10 pts)

* Write a possible solution for the problem.
* Make sure this possible solution is a complete sentence.
* Make sure the statement is testable.

Materials: (5 pts.)

* Make a list of ALL items and their amounts used in the lab.

Procedure: (15 pts.)

* Write a numbered list (complete sentences) which explains what you did in the lab.
* Your procedure should be written so that anyone else could repeat the experiment.

Results (Data): (15 pts)

This section should include an organized data table, observations, or additional notes and calculations you make during the lab.

You may attach a separate sheet(s) if necessary.

All tables and charts should be labeled appropriately.

Results (Graph): (15 pts)

* This section should include an organized graph reflecting the data you collected during the lab.
* Be sure your graph has an appropriate title, labeled x and y axes including units, correctly plotted data, and a key/legend if necessary.

Conclusions: (25 pts)MUST BE ON YOUR OWN! IT CANNOT MATCH YOUR PARTNER’S WORK!

* Briefly describe the problem and your experiment including a summary of the data.
* Accept or reject your hypothesis using data from the lab. (Explain)
* List one thing you learned and describe how it applies to a real-life situation.
*Discuss possible errors that could have occurred in the collection of the data and describe one way to improve the experiment if it were repeated.