1. Growing Seedlings Testing Hypothesis

2. Germinating a Seed What is factors/conditions are needed (must be present) for a popcorn seed to germinate? What is factors/conditions are needed (must be present) for a popcorn seed to germinate? – If you don’t know what germinate means, click here. click hereclick here With your partner brainstorm your ideas. Create your hypothesis. With your partner brainstorm your ideas. Create your hypothesis.

3. Testing your Hypothesis Determine how you will test your hypothesis. Determine how you will test your hypothesis. Helpful Hints:  In any “environment” you create for the seed, use 3 seeds free of obvious damage.  Do not set up a single environment. Growth in 1 environment only will not support your hypothesis.  Think about controlling/testing variables.  What data do you need to support your hypothesis?

4. Testing Continued Get your tests approved by your teacher Get your tests approved by your teacher Set up your tests Set up your tests Check back on the seeds in four or five days. Check back on the seeds in four or five days. You may stop this slide show until then. You may stop this slide show until then.

5. Results Remove your seeds from their environments. Remove your seeds from their environments. Which seeds germinated? What were the conditions in this environment? Which seeds germinated? What were the conditions in this environment? Check your results with other groups. Check your results with other groups. Was your hypothesis correct? If not, correct it. [What conditions are necessary for a seed to germinate?] Was your hypothesis correct? If not, correct it. [What conditions are necessary for a seed to germinate?]

6. Extension Will the seed continue to grow into a mature plant with just the factors you identified as necessary for germination? Explain your reasoning. Will the seed continue to grow into a mature plant with just the factors you identified as necessary for germination? Explain your reasoning. Another version of this experiment (more directed for students) can be found at www.coe.ilstu.edu/scienceed/activities/germina tion.exe www.coe.ilstu.edu/scienceed/activities/germina tion.exe

7. Germinate Definition: To indicate growth using nutritional fuel stored in the seed. Definition: To indicate growth using nutritional fuel stored in the seed. – The seeds to the right have germinated. Return to Procedure Return to Procedure