Sunflowers and Acid Rain

Talent 21 ProjectBy: Mia Somershoe

Date : May 1st, 2012Period: 5th

Introduction

The purpose of this experiment was to find out if a sunflower could grow in acid water.

The control in this experiment was the tap water.

The variable in this experiment was the vinegar water.

Materials

Plastic cup super growing pellets Triple beam balance scale Sunflower seeds 10% vinegar water Ruler Data sheet

Methods1. Add super growing pellets to cup.2. Add 3 tablespoons of water to expand.3. Plant 3 seeds per cup.4. Weigh cup on triple beam balance. Record weight.5. Add tap water or vinegar water to cup. Weigh again and

record data.6. Cup will be placed under grow light.7. Observe the container daily and note any indications of

growth by observations and measurement and compare to other containers in the experiment. While observing indicate any special care given to the plant. No special car was needed.

8. Record observations, measurements, and comments in the plant growth diary. Once the plant begins to grow, you will need to draw a detailed picture of the plant including the appearance of leaves and stems.

9. Each day , repeat steps 3 through 8.

Scientific Method

Ask a Question State Your Hypothesis Identify Control & Variable Test Your Hypothesis Collect & Record Your Data Interpret Your Data State Your Conclusion

Ask a Question

The purpose of this experiment was to find out if a sunflower could grow in acid water.

My question: What will happen to a sunflower that is watered with vinegar water.?

State Your Hypothesis

If I plant a sunflower seed, it will not grow because it is acid water instead of regular water.

Identify Control & Variable

The control in this experiment was the tap water.

The variable in this experiment was the vinegar water.

Test Your Hypothesis

If I add vinegar water to my sunflower seed, then it will not grow because sunflowers do not grow well in pollution water.

Collect & Record Your Data

Days Dry Wt. Wet Wt. Difference

Height Notes

Day1 64.4 g 91.7 g 27.3 g 0

Day 2 83.8 g 88.4 g 4.6 g 0

Day 3 67.9 g 77 g 10.1 g 0

Day 4 70.3 g 80 g 9.7 g 0

Day 5 69.5 g 76 g 6.5 g 0

Day 668.5 g 77.5 g 9 g

0 Used both waters

Day 7 76 g 89 g 13 g 0

Line Graph

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 70

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Acid Rain Project

Dry Wt.Wet Wt.DifferenceHeight

Days

Grams

Picture

Interpret Your Data

The results showed that the plant was weighted more after it was watered.

As part of this experiment there may have been variables or scientific errors that could have affected the growth of the plants and the outcome of this experiment. Everything turned out fine. Scientific errors that could have occurred and affected the results include used both water on day six.

State Your Conclusion

The results of this lab did support the initial hypothesis because sunflowers can’t grow well in acid rain. Some things that were learned from this experiment were that it is hard for plants to grow in acid rain .This experiment could be extended in the future by nature because of pollution.