This experiment will be done using the following images and data. There are two cups, one EXPERIMENTAL and one CONTROL group. Each one will have four beans planted in it, and the EXPERIMENTAL cup will get half as much water as the CONTROL cup. all the other factors (like how much light and air they get) will remain the same.
State what you predict will happen in the Hypothesis section below.
Part II: Planting
1. In the CONTROL group there is gravel, soil, and four beans in the cup. 30 mL of water is added to moisten the soil. See Figure 1 below.
In the EXPERIMENTAL group, there is gravel, soil, and four beans in the cup. 15 mL of water is added to moisten the soil.
Figure 1: Setup
Hypothesis
State the variable you chose and your hypothesis as an if/then statement as shown in the sample. These statements reflect your predicted outcomes for the experiment.
What is the independent variable? The amount of water given to the soil.
What is the dependent variable? The growth of the beans.
Sample hypothesis: If I use sand as the substrate, the beans will grow taller by 2 cm.
My hypothesis:
If reducing the water supply to the experimental cup then will result in slower growth and smaller-sized beans as water is a crucial factor in the plant's growth and development. If proper watering techniques are essential for maintaining optimal growth then conditions in plant growth studies.
Part III: Recording & Analysis
Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the parts of the bean seed and stages of growth. The data portion of the lab has been filled in to represent the data you would gather in this scenario.
Figure 2: Bean Makeup
Figure 3: Bean Growth Stages
Data Tables
DAY 0
EXPERIMENTAL CUP
CONTROL CUP
Observations
Day 0, no growth
Day 0, no growth
Measurements (cm)
(Measure and record all four beans in each cup.)
None
None
DAY 1
EXPERIMENTAL CUP
CONTROL CUP
Observations
No change
No change
Measurements (cm)
(Measure and record all four beans in each cup.)
none
none
DAY 2
EXPERIMENTAL CUP
CONTROL CUP
Observations
No change
The beginning of sprout
Measurements (cm)
(Measure and record all four beans in each cup.)
none
Too small to measure
DAY 3
EXPERIMENTAL CUP
CONTROL CUP
Observations
The beginning of sprout
Sprout is poking out
Measurements (cm)
(Measure and record all four beans in each cup.)
Too small to measure
1 cm, 2 cm, 1.5 cm, 1 cm
DAY 4
EXPERIMENTAL CUP
CONTROL CUP
Observations
Sprout is poking out
Longer sprouts
Measurements (cm)
(Measure and record all four beans in each cup.)
1 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 1 cm
2 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, 1.5 cm
DAY 5
EXPERIMENTAL CUP
CONTROL CUP
Observations
Sprout is a little longer
Growing more
Measurements (cm)
(Measure and record all four beans in each cup.)
1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm
2.5 cm, 3.5 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm
Data Analysis
Use the data to answer the following questions. Use complete sentences, and be as detailed as possible.
Find the average growth of the beans in both cups.
Add together the four final measurements from the EXPERIMENTAL cup and divide by 4. This is the average growth for the EXPERIMENTAL beans: 1.63
Add together the four final measurements from the CONTROL cup and divide by 4. This is the average growth for the CONTROL beans: 2.75
2. Was your hypothesis supported or not supported by your data? Explain how you know.
Yes, my hypothesis was supported cause the experimental beans didn’t grow as fast as the controlled beans.
Part IV: Wrapping Up
Conclusion
Use your data to answer the following questions. Use complete sentences, and be as detailed as possible.
Describe how the test variable you chose affected the growth of your beans.
Think about how the beans in the control group were planted compared to those in the experimental group. If there was a difference in growth, what do you think was the biggest factor and why?
If you were to repeat this experiment, what would you change?
Based on the test variable you chose, explain a similar condition in the real world and its possible effect.
Agriscience research often applies to more than one area. What other foods, besides beans, do you think would have similar results, and why?
The test variable of reducing the amount of water given to the experimental cup had a significant effect on the growth of the beans. The experimental beans grew slower and had smaller-sized sprouts compared to the control beans. This indicates that water is a crucial factor in the plant's growth and development, and reducing the water supply negatively impacted their growth.
The biggest factor that affected the growth of the beans in the experimental group was the decrease in water supply. Water plays a vital role in various plant processes such as nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, and cell expansion. By reducing the amount of water, the plants did not have enough resources to support optimal growth.
If I were to repeat this experiment, I would consider using different amounts of water for the experimental group instead of halving the amount. This would provide a more comprehensive range of data and allow for a clearer understanding of the relationship between water supply and bean growth.
In the real world, a similar condition could be a drought affecting agricultural crops. During a drought, water scarcity can limit the growth and development of plants, leading to decreased crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.
Other foods that would likely have similar results in terms of being affected by water scarcity include fruits and vegetables that require consistent watering for optimal growth. For example, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers all depend on adequate water supply to support healthy growth and yield.