Lab: Seed Germination and Light Colors
Today we will:- use science practices to investigate the effect of wavelengths on seed germination
- use technology to create a line graph of scientific data
- use data gathered during a scientific investigation to make a scientific claim about the effect of light on seed germination
Gather the following materials from your biology kit:
In this activity, you will be germinating lettuce seeds under different colors of light to determine how they grow best. This lab will require 5 days from the day it is set up to observe the results. Make sure you will be able to observe your lettuce seeds every day for the next 5 days.
Lab Safety
Questions?
If you are missing any supplies, call 844-590-2864 ASAP If you have questions or need help contact Ms. Connor by phone, edio chat or email!
Background
Germination is the process that causes a seed to sprout and grow into a plant. Most gardeners plant seeds underground, where they germinate in a dark, moist environment.
However, some seeds actually require light in order to germinate. Recall that light waves carry energy. Lettuce seeds use the energy from light waves to trigger the germination process.
Background
Lettuce seeds require light energy in order to germinate. An investigation in 2017 found that by 36 hours after planting:
- 87% of lettuce seeds planted in the light germinated; but
- only 9% of lettuce seeds planted in the dark germinated.
This data shows that lettuce seeds require light energy to begin the process of germination, because fewer seeds germinated in the dark.
In this lab instead of tracking seeds only in the light and the dark, you will place seeds under filters that allow only some wavelengths of light to enter.
Then you will analyze the data you collect to make a scientific claim about the effect of light on the germination of lettuce seeds.
Lab Set-up
Moisten Filter Paper
Block Light from Dish
Seal Petri Dishes
Provide Light
Apply Light Filters
Add Seeds
Label Petri Dishes
Collect Data
Every day for the next five days, you will record data about the number of seeds that have germinated. Record the number of seeds that have germinated in Data Table 1 each day. A seed that has germinated will have a split seed coat and a short root emerging from the seed.
Today is day 1, so record zero (0) for the number of germinated seeds in each dish for today.
To check the dish with no light, do the following.
- Gently peel back the electrical tape.
- Peel the tape or cardboard off of the lid.
- Quickly count the number of germinated seeds.
- Replace the tape, completely covering the top and sides of the dish again.
Record your data on page 216 of your Biology Notebook
Click here for sample data
Graph your data
Use the link to open a template to graph your data Use the data you recorded on page 216 of your notebook to fill in the tables in the template. When you are finished, save your work! Upload your graph to lesson 5.5 in Edio!
Find Average Seedling Height in Each Light Color For Data Table 2, you can choose to measure your own seedlings or you can use the sample data here. Remember to calculate average, add all the values and divide by the number of values.
COnclusion
Write an answer to the question we were investigating in this lab using the CER method. C: Make a CLAIM about the data you collected. What does your data show? E: What EVIDENCE supports your claim? Use specific data (numbers) from your data tables and graphs. R: Use REASONING to prove that your evidence supports your claim. Explain how you know your claim is correct.
Draft your responses on page 217 of your Biology notebook and submit to lesson 5.5 in Edio.
You've completed the lab!
Make sure to submit Your work to lesson 5.5 in edio!
This counts as an assessment grade, so do your best work!
Safety Reminder
Be safe while you do this lab. Follow these safety precautions:
- The lettuce grown in this activity is not intended for human consumption.
- You will allow the seeds to grow undisturbed for five days. Set up the lab in a location away from pets or siblings that is also near an electrical outlet.
- Properly dispose of all waste from this lab in the garbage.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up. The dark, humid environment of some of the Petri dishes can encourage mold growth.
Make a prediction!
Can't collect your own data?
That's okay!
If you are missing supplies or for any other reason are unable to collect your own data, you can use the sample data provided here to complete the lab. You will complete all of the other steps of the lab, so make sure you understand how this data was collected. If you are confused about how to use this sample data, contact Ms. Connor for help.
Would you rather use graph paper?
If you would rather make your graphs with paper and pencil, you can! Make sure to create a neat graph that is easily readable. Include a title, labels and a key. You might want to use a ruler to make the lines straight. Use color or shading to differentiate categories of data (light colors)
Need Help?
Use this graphic organizer.
Use the template to help you write a CER response. You may submit the completed graphic organizer to edio for full credit.
Label Petri Dishes
Turn over each Petri dish so that the small compartment is on top. Label the outer surface of each dish using the wax pencil.
Label one dish each of the following:
- white light
- red light
- blue light
- yellow light
- green light
- no light
Moisten Filter Paper
Add about 50 mL of water to the 250 mL beaker. Turn the Petri dishes over so that the larger section serves as the cover. Open each dish and insert one circle of filter paper into the bottom section.
Use a pipette to moisten each piece of filter paper.
Add Seeds
Place 15 lettuce seeds in each Petri dish on the moistened filter paper. Place the seeds so they are spread out from one another.
Seal Petri Dishes
Cover each Petri dish.
Use electrical tape to completely seal the Petri dish closed around the edge.
Apply Light Filters
Use electrical tape to fasten the corresponding color of filter to the cover of each Petri dish. The filter should cover the entire top surface so that only filtered light can enter the dish.
Optional step: You may use a scissor to cut the filters into circles that fit the tops of the Petri dishes. The circles take extra time to cut, but may be easier to attach than squares.
Block Light From Dish
Cover the Petri dish labeled no light in one of two ways.
Cut a circle of cardboard to fit the top and tape the cardboard to the top of the Petri dish.
Use electrical tape to completely cover the top of the Petri dish.
The Petri dish labeled white light does not get a filter.
Provide Light
Place all six Petri dishes under a lamp or on a window sill. Ensure that each dish receives an equal amount of light.
Make a prediction!
Can't collect your own data?
That's okay!
If you are missing supplies or for any other reason are unable to collect your own data, you can use the sample data provided here to complete the lab. You will complete all of the other steps of the lab, so make sure you understand how this data was collected. If you are confused about how to use this sample data, contact Ms. Connor for help.
Seed Germination and Light Colors Lab
HS: High School
Created on January 25, 2024
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Transcript
Lab: Seed Germination and Light Colors
Today we will:- use science practices to investigate the effect of wavelengths on seed germination
- use technology to create a line graph of scientific data
- use data gathered during a scientific investigation to make a scientific claim about the effect of light on seed germination
Gather the following materials from your biology kit:
In this activity, you will be germinating lettuce seeds under different colors of light to determine how they grow best. This lab will require 5 days from the day it is set up to observe the results. Make sure you will be able to observe your lettuce seeds every day for the next 5 days.
Lab Safety
Questions?
If you are missing any supplies, call 844-590-2864 ASAP If you have questions or need help contact Ms. Connor by phone, edio chat or email!
Background
Germination is the process that causes a seed to sprout and grow into a plant. Most gardeners plant seeds underground, where they germinate in a dark, moist environment. However, some seeds actually require light in order to germinate. Recall that light waves carry energy. Lettuce seeds use the energy from light waves to trigger the germination process.
Background
Lettuce seeds require light energy in order to germinate. An investigation in 2017 found that by 36 hours after planting:
- 87% of lettuce seeds planted in the light germinated; but
- only 9% of lettuce seeds planted in the dark germinated.
This data shows that lettuce seeds require light energy to begin the process of germination, because fewer seeds germinated in the dark.In this lab instead of tracking seeds only in the light and the dark, you will place seeds under filters that allow only some wavelengths of light to enter. Then you will analyze the data you collect to make a scientific claim about the effect of light on the germination of lettuce seeds.
Lab Set-up
Moisten Filter Paper
Block Light from Dish
Seal Petri Dishes
Provide Light
Apply Light Filters
Add Seeds
Label Petri Dishes
Collect Data
Every day for the next five days, you will record data about the number of seeds that have germinated. Record the number of seeds that have germinated in Data Table 1 each day. A seed that has germinated will have a split seed coat and a short root emerging from the seed. Today is day 1, so record zero (0) for the number of germinated seeds in each dish for today.
To check the dish with no light, do the following.
Record your data on page 216 of your Biology Notebook
Click here for sample data
Graph your data
Use the link to open a template to graph your data Use the data you recorded on page 216 of your notebook to fill in the tables in the template. When you are finished, save your work! Upload your graph to lesson 5.5 in Edio!
Find Average Seedling Height in Each Light Color For Data Table 2, you can choose to measure your own seedlings or you can use the sample data here. Remember to calculate average, add all the values and divide by the number of values.
COnclusion
Write an answer to the question we were investigating in this lab using the CER method. C: Make a CLAIM about the data you collected. What does your data show? E: What EVIDENCE supports your claim? Use specific data (numbers) from your data tables and graphs. R: Use REASONING to prove that your evidence supports your claim. Explain how you know your claim is correct.
Draft your responses on page 217 of your Biology notebook and submit to lesson 5.5 in Edio.
You've completed the lab!
Make sure to submit Your work to lesson 5.5 in edio!
This counts as an assessment grade, so do your best work!
Safety Reminder
Be safe while you do this lab. Follow these safety precautions:
Make a prediction!
Can't collect your own data?
That's okay!
If you are missing supplies or for any other reason are unable to collect your own data, you can use the sample data provided here to complete the lab. You will complete all of the other steps of the lab, so make sure you understand how this data was collected. If you are confused about how to use this sample data, contact Ms. Connor for help.
Would you rather use graph paper?
If you would rather make your graphs with paper and pencil, you can! Make sure to create a neat graph that is easily readable. Include a title, labels and a key. You might want to use a ruler to make the lines straight. Use color or shading to differentiate categories of data (light colors)
Need Help?
Use this graphic organizer.
Use the template to help you write a CER response. You may submit the completed graphic organizer to edio for full credit.
Label Petri Dishes
Turn over each Petri dish so that the small compartment is on top. Label the outer surface of each dish using the wax pencil. Label one dish each of the following:
Moisten Filter Paper
Add about 50 mL of water to the 250 mL beaker. Turn the Petri dishes over so that the larger section serves as the cover. Open each dish and insert one circle of filter paper into the bottom section. Use a pipette to moisten each piece of filter paper.
Add Seeds
Place 15 lettuce seeds in each Petri dish on the moistened filter paper. Place the seeds so they are spread out from one another.
Seal Petri Dishes
Cover each Petri dish. Use electrical tape to completely seal the Petri dish closed around the edge.
Apply Light Filters
Use electrical tape to fasten the corresponding color of filter to the cover of each Petri dish. The filter should cover the entire top surface so that only filtered light can enter the dish. Optional step: You may use a scissor to cut the filters into circles that fit the tops of the Petri dishes. The circles take extra time to cut, but may be easier to attach than squares.
Block Light From Dish
Cover the Petri dish labeled no light in one of two ways. Cut a circle of cardboard to fit the top and tape the cardboard to the top of the Petri dish. Use electrical tape to completely cover the top of the Petri dish. The Petri dish labeled white light does not get a filter.
Provide Light
Place all six Petri dishes under a lamp or on a window sill. Ensure that each dish receives an equal amount of light.
Make a prediction!
Can't collect your own data?
That's okay!
If you are missing supplies or for any other reason are unable to collect your own data, you can use the sample data provided here to complete the lab. You will complete all of the other steps of the lab, so make sure you understand how this data was collected. If you are confused about how to use this sample data, contact Ms. Connor for help.