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.