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Summary
Areas of Science
Difficulty
Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
No issues
*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.
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If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.
Abstract
Leaves grow in a different pattern than stems and shoots. They do not elongate along one axis, but instead spread out over time. Do all regions of the leaf grow equally? You can use markings on different regions of a growing leaf to see if the whole surface grows, or if growth is focused in a particular region, like the veins or edges of the leaf. If you look along a leafy stem, you may notice that leaves at different positions along the stem are different sizes. You can do an experiment to find out the rate of growth of leaves along the stem. Using graph paper, trace leaves from different positions along the stem. After tracing each leaf, you can calculate the surface area of the leaf by counting up the squares of graph paper within the outline of the leaf. Are the biggest leaves at the base or the tip of the stem? Is there a position along the stem where leaves do not get larger anymore? How many different types and species of leafy stems can you test? (VanCleave, 1993, 69-74)Bibliography
VanCleave, J. 1993. Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Biology. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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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.
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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.
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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.
"What is the Rate of Leaf Growth Along the Stem?" Science Buddies,
21 Oct. 2021,
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/PlantBio_p024/plant-biology/leaf-growth-rate?class=AQXt1EcyOjD6lL0Ra3uIpbzE9eKie0yPtxOJJwIugbi64Bln4b6YElEpbg4zRnUOJtdyFjBXJGqbkd-0WcSpZbI9.
Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
APA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
(2021, October 21).
What is the Rate of Leaf Growth Along the Stem?
Retrieved from
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/PlantBio_p024/plant-biology/leaf-growth-rate?class=AQXt1EcyOjD6lL0Ra3uIpbzE9eKie0yPtxOJJwIugbi64Bln4b6YElEpbg4zRnUOJtdyFjBXJGqbkd-0WcSpZbI9
Last edit date: 2021-10-21
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