Duckweed Lab Instructions

Duckweed Lab Instructions

All groups will setup a control.

Control

1.  Obtain 3 test tubes.

2.  Measure 50 ml of spring water in a graduated cylinder and pour into each test tube.

3.  Use a bacteriological loop to transfer one colony of three fronds to each tube.

4.  Cover the test tubes with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Poke five small holes in each test tubes plastic wrap using a push pin.

5.  Label each test tube “Spring Water” and label “A” through “C” with a marker. Make sure you also identify it with your group ID (both person’s initials usually work well).

Nitrate, saline, phosphate, shade, and pH 5-9 setups are all detailed in Carolina’s student instructions. Be sure to add one colony of three fronds to each tube and cover it as specified in your control.

Fertilizer

1.  Obtain 9 test tubes.

2.  To three tubes add 49.5 ml of spring water and 0.5 ml of Miracle Gro. (1% solution)

3.  To three tubes add 49 ml of spring water and 1 ml of Miracle Gro. (2% solution)

4.  To three tubes add 48.5 ml of spring water and 1.5 ml of Miracle Gro. (3% solution)

5.  Use a bacteriological loop to transfer one colony of three fronds to each tube.

6.  Cover the test tubes with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Poke five small holes in each test tubes plastic wrap using a push pin.

7.  Label each test tube with the proper percent solution and indicate it is “Miracle Gro.” Also label “A” through “C” with a marker. Make sure you also identify it with your group ID (both person’s initials usually work well).

Uncovered

1.  Obtain 3 test tubes.

2.  Measure 50 ml of spring water in a graduated cylinder and pour into each test tube.

3.  Use a bacteriological loop to transfer one colony of three fronds to each tube.

4.  Do NOT cover these tubes!

5.  Label each test tube “Uncovered Spring Water” and label “A” through “C” with a marker. Make sure you also identify it with your group ID (both person’s initials usually work well).

Petri Dishes

1.  Obtain 3 petri dishes.

2.  Measure 50 ml of spring water in a graduated cylinder and pour into each dish.

3.  Use a bacteriological loop to transfer one colony of three fronds to each dish.

4.  Little labeling is necessary, since these are the only petri dishes used in this experiment. Just label them “A” through “C.”