Observations April 2015

At what point can we say
that germination has been successful?

For purposes of this experiment, a seed can be considered to have successfully germinated when two (2) distinctly separate cotyledons (embryonic leaves) can be seen.

Also note that each seed produces only one stem. The peat pot in the inset photo obviously contains two germinated seeds - evidence of careless procedures. It is important to be certain that each peat pot contains only one seed.

The primary objective of the experiment is to determine how many of the planted tomato seeds, in each group of 40, are successfully germinated.

The photo to the left shows some peat pots with germinated tomato seeds. Note that seedlings have only their embryonic leaves and no true leaves have yet appeared.

Check your planted seeds each day.

 The first signs of germination will be a small bud-like structure pushing its way up through the peat in the peat pellet.

In some cases the seed coat itself will be pushed upwards as it adheres to a cotyledon like a small helmet.

When two distinct cotyledons appear,  germination can be considered to have been successful.

 

 

 

 

Keeping A Class Record

Children chart results

 

Detailed and accurate record keeping is an important part of doing science.

  • Each student will create a journal to record and track the progress of the experiment.
  • The journal will contain two distinct sections for recording observations; one section dedicated to each experimental group of seeds. (A, B)
  • Students will prepare several pages in their journals in which to record each day's observations. A neat and complete set of observations will be recorded.
  • Note about the conditions under which the observations were taken. For example, it would be useful to record the temperature by placing a thermometer in the region of each sample.
Children chart results

 

A typical journal page may look similar to the page shown to the left.

Each day an entry is made into the data log, along with any comments or notes which might be useful when interpreting the data. For example the temperature and the frequency of watering might prove important in understanding differences in germination rates when all the data are finally collected and compared.

It is always better to record too much information, than not enough information.