The Challenge:

My favorite classroom/home science experiments are the ones where the basic method is simple to use by students of all ages, the cost for material is low, there is a short start up time, the students do not get bogged down by complex and temperamental methods and the experimental design is only limited by the students’ imagination. In this KBLOG and future ones I want to explore some great experimental systems that meet the above-mentioned criteria.

A Solution:

I love using radish seeds they are a great model organism with unlimited experimental possibilities! They are inexpensive and students, both young and older can produce great ideas for experimental investigations. If you as a teacher or parent are going to use radish seeds, keep it simple. Initially I would offer the students all the same material for example: radish seeds, paper towel, zip lock bag or petri dishes (suggest: 90 mm diameter x 15 mm deep, purchase on Amazon or science supply company). The basic set up can be: 1) soak seeds over night; 2) wet the paper towel; 3) place seeds on the wet towel; 4) place seeds in the petri dish or bag. Once the students get the basic method it is time for them to go to work. Through brainstorming (KBLOG 16) the students can alter the method and develop unique scenarios to test independent variables (let the students decide, no hints from parent/teacher) such growing under different temperatures, adding chemicals to water such as salt or sugar, changing the light, microwaving seeds beforehand for different times. Give students the freedom to choose (KBLOG 8). They can measure different things (dependent variable). Percent of seeds that germinate, measure growth of root (hypocotyl) and stem (epicotyl) (KBLOG 17), direction of growth. Students should design the procedure to test their question with a control and repeated trials. You will be amazed how this simple procedure can unlock the creative imagination of your students.

(CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP)

Resources:

http://tinyurl.com/radish-vid - video showing a sample setup.

http://tinyurl.com/petri90x15 - link for option of buying petri dish (zip lock bags work also)