State a QuestionThe first step in the scientific method is to state a question to be

answered or a problem to be solved.

The statement of a question or problem is often a result of observation and attention to detail. Scientific observation involves

the use of one or more of the five senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch.

I know that seeds need moisture in order to grow. I wonder if the hard coat on some types of seeds makes it hard for the seeds to

get the moisture they need.

The question to be answered or problem to be solved must be stated clearly.

If you scratch the hard coat of a seed, will it germinate faster?

Form a Hypothesis

The second step in the scientific method is to form a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a possible answer to a question, or a reasonable educated guess about what will happen. Hypotheses

are based on observations and/or research. When a person forms a hypothesis, he or she predicts what will happen.

Since seeds need water in order to grow, I think seeds that have been scratched will germinate faster.

Moisture will be able to enter the seeds through the scratch, and germination can take place.

Experiment

The third step in the scientific method is experimentation. While experimenting, a person collects data that will either

support or disprove the hypothesis.

1. Set up a control group. In this experiment, the control group does not receive special treatment. It provides the information to which the experimental group will be compared.

I will not scratch these 30 seeds. I will place them inside this milk carton on top of a wet paper towel. Then I will place the carton in a sealed plastic bag, making a simple greenhouse.

2. Set up experimental groups. Experimental groups receive special treatment so that the effects of various conditions ca be tested.

I will rub these 30 seeds with sandpaper until I wear through the hard coat. Then I will place them in a simple greenhouse.

I will nick the edge of the hard coat on these 30 seeds. Then I will place the seeds in a simple greenhouse.

3. Gather data. Data are the results of the experiment. Data may consist of a description of what happened, or it may be

measurements and specific values.

Type of SeedNumber of Seeds Germinated

Control

Sanded

Nicked

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

3

4

9

7

Draw ConclusionsThe final step in the scientific method is to

interpret the data in order to draw conclusions.

A conclusion is a statement that tells whether or not the data collected supports

the hypothesis,

The seeds that were sanded or nicked germinated faster because their hard coat was broken. Moisture was able to penetrate and germination started.

After drawing a conclusion, a person may devise further questions and hypotheses.

What would happen if I sanded the entire coat off of a seed?

How would cutting a seed in half affect germination?

Would soaking seeds in the water before planting affect germination?