Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

PLEASE ADVISE

WOULD THIS BE A GOOD SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT?
TAKE AVOCADO SEEDS AND PLANT ONE IN SOIL AND THE OTHER IN WATER (1/2 OF THE SEE BELOW AND OTHER ABOVE WATER) AND DETERMINE GROWTH TIME.

THANKS

not really because at one point the seed will stop growing because a seed needs water to grow and a seed needs dirt to put its roots in and gather nutrition. so the are both nessencials to the plant. obviously it will survive longer in water because the first few weeks all a seed needs is water the seed wont even budge in just dirt

i was planning on watering the soil alsol; would it work then?

Hi,

I think Nana is misinformed about avacado seeds, which will germinate and grow (at least at first) in just water. It looks like this is a very interesting question with practical applications; see this website for some discussion: http://www.thegardenhelper.com/avocado.html.

So, I think this is an excellent project. The only thing I would suggest is that you plant several seeds in soil and several in water. That way if you get one bad seed that wouldn't germinate anyway, you will still have good results! I would suggest 6-10 seeds in both groups.

Hope this helps, and please let us know if you have any other questions.

Thanks for the feedback Melissa

Hi Cochau,

I agree with Melissa that this could actually be a very good science fair project. And it is good that you are starting early, so you will have results before the project is due in December. As Melissa suggests, using several avocado seeds in each group will improve the project. I also recommend that you plan to measure your results. You can write down the number of days it takes to germinate, count the number of leaves, or measure the height of the plants. And since this is a science project, you should learn as much as possible about seed germination and plant growth so you will be able to explain your results.

Good luck!

Donna Hardy

it is actually a very good science topic, you might need time though.