Seed Germination Design Lab
In Pairs you will design an experiment testing
one variable that can affect seed germination.
You must follow the steps of the scientific
method.
Seed Lab Day 1
Step 1 Lab Notebook set up and Initial Observations.
A)Set up your lab notebook (Pre-Lab)
a) Write the purpose of the lab.
b) Write the date
c) Create an organized table were you can record your initial
observations.
B)Observe at least 6 different seeds in the classroom at the various
stations.
a. record observations (qualitative and quantitative) about each
seed in your lab notebook
b. choose one type of plant seed to be the subject of your
experiment
Seed Lab Day 1
Step 1 Lab Notebook set up and Initial Observations.
A)Set up your lab notebook (Pre-Lab)
a) Write the purpose of the lab.
b) Write the date
c) Create an organized table were you can record your initial
observations.
B)Observe the available seeds in the classroom at each station.
a. record observations about each seed type in your lab
notebook
b. choose one type of plant seed to be the subject of your
experiment
Seed Lab Day 2
Step 2 Research.
A) Using the Chromebooks answer the following questions on a shared Google Doc. Choose a different font color unique to you. This lab will allow you to divide and conquer the work listed below. Everybody must contribute equally.
B) Cite the sources of where you find the answers to the following prompts using APA format. (Use Bibme.org or another free citation website to assist you with your
citations)
1. Common Name of the plant you chose. 2. Scientific name of the plant you chose. 3. Family Name
4. Describe the domestic/commercial uses of the plant that you are testing.
5. Describe the best method to germinate the seeds of the plant you chose in a lab setting.
Seed Lab
Day 2
Step 3-Experimental Design
Collaborate with your partner to do the following:
Materials and Method: (In your Lab Notebook)
1.Decide on an independent variable that you think will affect germination.
2.Identify the dependent variable of your experiment (Data must be
quantitative
).
3.Create a hypothesis about the effect of the independent variable on
Germination Percentage (see resources).
4.Design an experiment to test your hypothesis. In your design you must have
the following:
a) A list of the materials that you need (from home or check with me)
b) A detailed procedure of each step of your experiment.
Warm-Up 9/6
Seed Lab Day 2
Step 3 Refine your experimental design
With your partner:
A)Create a storyboard of your experiment with your partner showing and
describing each step of your experiment.
Include the following:
a) Labeled Sketch of each step of your experiment with a description b) Sketch of what your predicted results will be with a description. c) Independent variable
d) Dependent variable e) Control Group
f) Variables that you must make the same for the experimental and control group
Use color and be creative.
Chalk Talk
Directions for presenters:
1. Introduce each person and say 1 interesting/fun fact about each person
2. Describe your experiment:
Include:
a. The independent, dependent variables and the control.
b. Description of your predicted results
c. Purpose of the experiment.
d. Be prepared to answer questions from the audience.
Directions for the audience
:
1. Listen
2. Write one question for the presenters and be prepared to ask your
Exit Slip
Seed Lab Day 2: Feedback about
design
Purpose:
Get feedback and refine your experimental idea from
your peers during a gallery walk.
Each pair must write their name on the back of the sticky note and:
Evaluate the posters for 4 main points. (Independent Variable,
Dependent Variable, Hypothesis, control)
1. Positive Feedback
2. Constructive Feedback
3. Questions
Seed Lab Day 3
Step 4: Set-up your experiment and Data Collection
With your partner:
1. Create a Data Table in your lab notebook that will allow
you to have an organized space to collect your data for
the duration of the experiment.
2. Set up your experiment based on your refined
experimental design.
Things to consider as you set up:
A) Label parts of your experiment with the following:
a) First initial and last name of you and your partners b) Date
c) Period
B) Record your initial qualitative observations.
Last Data Collection Day and Clean-up
1. Sweep up/Clean all dirt/water spills
2. Rinse used equipment and return all
equipment to lab bins
Seed Lab Data Analysis
Step 5: Interpreting Data/Analysis
A.On graph paper, plot Percent Germination per (independent
variable) for both the Experimental and Control groups on the
same graph. Be sure to include a key.
Your Graph must include all of the following:
a)
Graph Title
b)
Labeled x and y axis with correct units
c)
Graph Key
Answer this question below your graph:
Step 6 Seed Lab Conclusion
Directions: Conclusions must be written in PARAGRAPH. Your conclusion must have the
answers to the following questions in order to be considered a complete conclusion.
Sentence starters have been provided to help get you started.
• What was the hypothesis and how did you test it?
(In this experiment the hypothesis…Or We tested the hypothesis…by…)
• Did the experiment allow you to accept or reject the hypothesis? Why or why not?
(The data shows…Or…The results indicate that…) (CITE EVIDENCE from your experiment.)
• What were the uncontrolled variables in your experiment?
(There were uncontrolled variables in the experiment. They include…Or…The uncontrolled variables are…)
• How did those uncontrolled variables affect the results of the experiment?
(The experiment was affected by the uncontrolled variables in the following manner…)
• How can the procedures be improved?...Think about the uncontrolled variables. (To minimize error the procedures could be improved by…)
• Further experimental ideas based on the given scenario or a scenario you think up. (Considering the
