Case Lesson 14 Bean Growth

Key Words 1.Frequency 2.Median 3.Range

In this lesson we will observe the growth of the bean seeds that we planted last lesson (13) Remember that we are interested in variation and whether it made a difference if the seed was a large or small?

Activity 1: Observation of bean seedlings Make observations of the: 1. Shoot 2. Tap root 3. Side root

Activity 2: Taking measurements The main root of the seedling is called the tap root. Decide which is the shoot and which the tap root. How many of the bean seeds in your group were large and how many were small? Measure the lengths of your group’s bean shoots.

Small beans plantedLarge beans planted NameShoot length (cm)NameShoot length (cm) Now add your group’s results to the class set of data.

Can you say the big seeds grow longer shoots than small seeds? Do you think there is a difference between lengths of shoots grown from small seeds and shoots grown from large seeds? Did you predict this?

Activity 3: Finding the median and range Link to class spread sheet.

Frequency Diagram

In your groups discuss: is there any difference in shoot length between seedlings from small seeds and seedlings from large seeds? How do you know?

Activity 4: Who is the best supplier of beans? Two suppliers, Mr Bigbean and Ms Beanboast, each claim they provide the best bean seeds. How would you find out which supplier did provide the best beans? Think about sample size, what you would measure and how you would compare results.