Affecting Germination Lauren YeagleyGrade 9

Problem• What solution will help watermelon

seeds to germinate the quickest?

Research

Seed germination is the process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow.

The uses of the different solutions used:Hydrogen peroxide: used to clean wounds,

very acidicWitch hazel: tightens tissues in the body and

poresFruit juice (apple): a beverageCarbonated water: a beverageWater: everyday life, a beverage, necessity of

life

Hypothesis

If 5 solutions were used then water will cause a greater number of germinated seeds than any other substance.

Materials• Watermelon seeds (180)

• Petri Dishes (18)

• Coffee Filters

• Liquids used in testing (15 ml) :–Water–Carbonated Water– Fruit Juice–Hydrogen Peroxide–Witch Hazel

Procedure1. 18 petri dishes were set out

2. 15 ml of the chosen liquids (water, hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, fruit juice (apple), carbonated water) were added to 3 petri dishes. (3 were left with no solution (liquid) in them for the control)

3. The bottoms of coffee filters were placed in each of the petri dishes.

4. 10 seeds were added to each petri dish.

5. The 18 petri dishes were put in a dark temperature controlled area to sit for 10 days.

Variables

Control: the petri dish that had no solution in it

Independent Variable: the different solutions

Dependent Variable: the amount of seeds that germinated after 10 days

Constants: the petri dishes, 10 watermelon seeds, coffee filters, environment/location in which petri dishes were placed

Results3 days

Results

5 days

Results

10 days

Data after 3 days

Data after 5 days

Data after 10 days

Growth Rate

Conclusion

• Hypothesis was supported. – Hypothesis was: If 5 solutions were used then water will cause a

quicker germinate rate than any other substance.

• The following solutions inhibited germination throughout the project: Apple Juice, Hydrogen Peroxide, Control (nothing)

• Ways to improve the project:• Soil could be added or more commonly used gardening

substances could be tested.

• Results could have been recorded everyday (record more accurate germination rate)

• Seeds could have been left for longer.

Thanks!

Sources used:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Different-Uses-and-Properties-of-Hydrogen-Peroxide&id=5368552

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/witch-hazel-herbal-remedies.htm

http://www.uni.edu/~iowawet/H2OProperties.html

Thank you to all those who were in attendance for listening. I would be glad to answer any questions that you may have.