Botany based science projects

Here are 5 different science project ideas using seeds.

Test to see if seeds grow using different liquids.

Get the same kind of seed and 4 containers.  Put dirt in these containers and plant the seeds.  Now keep the containers in the same place and make sure they get the same amount of light and are at the same temperature but water each one with a different liquid.  Water one with apple juice, one with milk, one with vinegar and one with water with dishwashing soap in it.  Record your findings.

Your hypothesis could be that you think the seeds will grow with something other than plain water.  Which liquid do you think will be the best.

How fast do seeds germinate with different temperatures.

Get 3 pots and place the same dirt in each one and plant the same seeds in each pot.  Now place one in the refrigerator.  Place one in the warmest spot in your house.  Place one in an average temperature.  Give the same amount of water to each pot.  Record daily any changes – how the plant grows and how fast.

Your hypothesis could be that you think seed grown in the warmest temperature grows the fastest. 

Do seeds grow faster if they are soaked for a long time or at all.

Get 3 pots and put the same soil in each one and place a cup of water in 2 different containers.  Place a seed in one container and leave for 5 minutes.  In the other container place another seed and leave overnight.  Do not do anything with the last seed.  Now plant each seed in each of the 3 pots.  Keep the pots in the same place with the same light and the same temperature and the same amount of water.  Record daily what happens to the seeds.  Did one sprout first.  Did one grow the fastest.

Your hypothesis could be the seed soaked overnight will grow the fastest.

Does a pesticide have to be on the plant to protect it?

Get 6 pots and put the same soil and plants in each pot.  Now get a Bt-based insecticide at a garden store.  Put the insecticide on one plant.  Put the next plant 3 inches away and the next 6 inches away and the 4^th pot 12 inches away.  The 5^th pot put 2 feet away the the last 3 feet away.   Now this needs to be outside when there are bugs and insects.  You can compare how much insect damage each plant has and record this daily. 

Your hypothesis could be that plants within 12 inches are only protected from insects.

Test if the size of seeds affects how big the plant gets or how fast it germinates?

Plant a large seed in a pot, a medium seed in another pot and a small seed of the same type in another pot.  All pots must have the same soil, be the same size, have the same temperature, the same amount of light, and have the same water.  Record when the first seed germinates and how quickly it grow.

Your hypothesis could be that you determine the largest seed will not germinate faster but will grow faster when sprouted.

You can find additional info at: http://www.fl-ag.com/PlanetAg/