Summary
Areas of Science
Difficulty
Time Required
Very Long (1+ months)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
Use caution when using a blade to cut open seeds. Adult supervision is recommended.
*Note:
For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.
If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.
If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.
Abstract
Germination is the process by which a seed emerges from the seed coat. Many different variables can effect the process of germination. Try to sprout seeds from different species of plant to see if different species vary in germination time. Are weeds faster germinators than vegetables? Try measuring seeds and then germinating them to see if big seeds sprout at a different rate than small seeds. Try sprouting seeds in different environments to test the effect of different environmental variables on seed germination. Try testing variables like temperature, soil acidity, water content, light or the presence of insects, worms or other plants. You can also cut open seeds to learn about the parts of a seed. By counting the number of cotyledons, you can learn to classify plants as monocots (with one cotyledon) or dicots (with 2 cotyledons).Bibliography
- VanCleave, J. 1993. Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Biology. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Print.
- Vecchione, G. 2001. 100 Award-Winning Science Fair Projects. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing. Print.
- Koning, R. (n.d.). Seed Germination. Plant Physiology Information Website. Retrieved February 28, 2012, from http://plantphys.info/seedg/seed.html
- Kennell, H. (2007, February). Seed Starting. Washington State University: Snohomish County Extension. Retrieved October 29, 2014, from http://ext100.wsu.edu/snohomish/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2012/11/9SeedStarting.pdf
- Hangarter, R. (n.d.). Corn Germination. Plants-In-Motion. Retrieved February 28, 2012, from http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/earlygrowth/germination/corn/corngerm.html
Ask an Expert
Do you have specific questions about your science project? Our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.
Global Connections
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
This project explores topics key to Life on Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss.
Careers
If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:
Career Profile
With a growing world population, making sure that there is enough food for everyone is critical. Plant scientists work to ensure that agricultural practices result in an abundance of nutritious food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Career Profile
As the world's population grows larger, it is important to improve the quality and yield of food crops and animal food sources. Agricultural technicians work in the forefront of this very important research area by helping scientists conduct novel experiments. If you would like to combine technology with the desire to see things grow, then read further to learn more about this exciting career.
Related Links
Cite This Page
General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.MLA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
"Germination." Science Buddies,
28 July 2017,
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/PlantBio_p028/plant-biology/germination.
Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
APA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
(2017, July 28).
Germination.
Retrieved from
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/PlantBio_p028/plant-biology/germination
Last edit date: 2017-07-28
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