Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I'm turning in my hypothesis and project plan tomorrow! Thanks guys! Next week I start really racking up some questions and experimenting to find answers! I can't wait!!!

I turned in my hypothesis and project plan and the teacher has approved it. I'm probably gonna be making some room in our house for bean plants and might be going to Lowe's later to get some containers. I'm ready to get started! I've got about 60 days to let these fellows germinate before I have to turn in my project so I have to plant them this week.

Last night I went to Lowes and got 4 32-pocket trays. I'm now cutting out my water variable of 1/2 Cup.

Variables (10):
Soil Type:
Sand
Water
Clay
Gravel
Dirt

Water:
1/2 a cup
1/4 a cup
1/8 a cup

Light:
12 hours of natural light
12 hours of fluorescent light

Combinations (30):
Sand-1/2 Cup-Natural Light
Sand-1/2 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Sand-1/4 Cup-Natural Light
Sand-1/4 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Sand-1/8 Cup-Natural Light
Sand-1/8 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Water-1/2 Cup-Natural Light
Water-1/2 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Water-1/4 Cup-Natural Light
Water-1/4 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Water-1/8 Cup-Natural Light
Water-1/8 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Clay-1/2 Cup-Natural Light
Clay-1/2 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Clay-1/4 Cup-Natural Light
Clay-1/4 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Clay-1/8 Cup-Natural Light
Clay-1/8 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Gravel-1/2 Cup-Natural Light
Gravel-1/2 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Gravel-1/4 Cup-Natural Light
Gravel-1/4 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Gravel-1/8 Cup-Natural Light
Gravel-1/8 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Dirt-1/2 Cup-Natural Light
Dirt-1/2 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Dirt-1/4 Cup-Natural Light
Dirt-1/4 Cup-Fluorescent Light
Dirt-1/8 Cup-Natural Light
Dirt-1/8 Cup-Fluorescent Light

Samples: 4 samples per combination (120 samples total)

Hello,

I'm glad to hear your excitement for your project! Sounds like you are right on track with your project.

I don't know if you had mentioned it before, but what did you come up with for your hypothesis? I look forward to hear updates on your project.

Also, I just wanted to let you know, in case you weren't aware: 'volunteer experts' are assigned to particular forums/grade levels for volunteering 1 day per week. I try to respond to questions as soon as I can ( and that I'm not ignoring you). I will be here for your questions anytime. If you have a deadline, make sure to ask us early, so we can help before your project is due.

Have fun!

My hypothesis is, "Lima beans need rich soil, 1/4 Cup of Water, and Plenty of Natural Light"

Does this sound like a good hypothesis? My dad seemed doubtful.

Hi there,
Sorry for the delay. I wasn't notified of your reply. Oops.
Your hypothesis is good. I posted a link for another example. https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#keyinfo
The more specific you can make it the better. For instance (don't use this one, I have no idea if any of that is correct or not), "When treated with 3% nitrogenous soil vs. sand over 3 months, plants will grow at a 3:1 ratio, soil vs. sand."
That is a specific example of a hypothesis: it shows that you did background research and that you are making an educated guess based on what you learned. It is specific, to the point, and can be tested. Using words like "grows better," "plenty of light," "rich soil" are too general; meaning, what does "plenty" and "rich" mean? Be as specific as you can, rich soil can mean many things.

More about soil and plants:
http://www.ncagr.gov/cyber/kidswrld/plant/nutrient.htm

Here is an excellent project that gives examples of how to set up your project and more info about plants:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

Also, I'm curious as to (briefly) what have you learned through your research about the best growth/ living conditions for lima bean plants?

Happy Turkey Day!