Year 9 Ecology: Investigation of Plant Growth

Name: _____________________ Due: ___________

Task Overview:

Working in teams of 4 you will design and conduct an experiment

investigating the effect of one variable factor on plant growth.

This will be a 2-week observation lab created, conducted, and interpreted by you.

Each group’s experiment will have something to do with plants and growth.

Each group must pose a question / purpose of the experiment.

While it is a group experiment, individuals must submit their own lab report.

Some materials will be provided (seeds, petri dishes, pots, soil, etc.).

☐ Step 1: Research

☐ Step 2: Planning

☐ Step 3: Submit proposal

☐ Step 4: Prepare and set up of experiment

☐ Step 5: Observe and record results

☐ Step 6: Graph and analyse results

☐ Step 7: Submit final report

Step 1: Research

a) What is photosynthesis?

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b) Write the word and chemical equation for photosynthesis:

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c) What other factors might affect plant growth?

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d) What is a factor that you are interested in investigating further?

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Step 2: PlanningChoose one factor of plant growth to investigate as a research question.

Examples:

o Do different amounts of water per day affect plant growth?

o Do different water temperatures affect plant growth?

o Does amount of soil affect plant growth?

o Does type of soil (sand, dirt, clay) affect plant growth?

o Does the amount of light affect plant growth?

o Do added chemicals affect plant growth?

a) Your research question:

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b) Independent variable:

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c) Dependent variable:

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d) State your hypothesis:

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e) Other variables that will need to be controlled:

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f) Outline any observations and measurements that will need to made, and when/how:

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g) Make a list of any equipment and materials you will need:

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g) Describe the procedure of how you will conduct your experiment,:

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Step 3: Proposal

a) Discuss any problems or safety issues for your experiment, and write up a timeline:

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b) Submit the attached research proposal sheet to your teacher. When it has been approved

the CCW Laboratory Coordinator, and you have your teacher’s signature on the proposal,

you may begin to set up and conduct your experiment.

Step 4: Prepare and set up experiment

a) Ensure your experiment is labelled.

b) Draw or take a picture of the set-up experiment.

Step 5: Observe and record results

a) You must ensure that you have sufficient, accurate data for your experiment. How will you

conduct measurements, and make sure they are taken every day?

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Step 6: Graph and analyse results

a) Design a table to record your results and observations.

b) How will you present your results t analyse the data? Will a graph be suitable, if so what type?

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c) How will you judge if your hypothesis has been proved or disproved?

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Step 7: Submit final report

a) You will write up an individual lab report on your experiment. You must include the

following sections:

INTRODUCTION:

Overall research question and information

Aim

Hypothesis

MATERIALS & METHOD:

List of all the equipment and materials you used

Step by step instructions of how to carry out your experiment

RESULTS:

Tables and graphs displaying your data

DISCUSSION:

Describe your results and interpret their meaning

Discuss how you could have improved your experiment

Provide a conclusion for your hypothesis, and a suggestion for further research

Don’t forget: Consult the marking rubric for further guidance on how to write up a scientific report.

Good Luck!