Materials

• zip-lock baggies
• water
• hand lens
• paper towels
• seeds from a variety of flowering plants
• lima beans
• variety of mediums (like paper towels, potting soil, sand, clay)

Directions

1. Using the materials given to you in class, your task is to use scientific inquiry to investigate a question about one of the variables above.

2. You need to conduct your scientific investigation about germination of two types of seeds. As you design your investigation, think about:
   • Which factors will you vary in your study? Which will you keep the same?
   • How can you be sure that the variables that influence germination of your seeds are even and constant for both the lima beans and the other type of seed?
   • How will you measure amount of water the seeds have and the amount of light?
     1. List, in order, the steps you will use. You may include a diagram to help illustrate your plans for the investigation. Include any safety procedures you would follow. Make your procedure detailed enough, so someone else could follow it easily.
     2. Construct a data table or chart to record your observations and results.
     3. Perform the investigation by following the steps outlined in your procedure. Be sure to note any changes to your listed procedures and tell why.
     4. Record your observations and measurements. Write statements or paragraphs and/or use tables where appropriate. Now transform your data into a graph.
3. Write an interpretation and analysis of your results. Note any limitations to your investigation. What additional experiments or questions were suggested as you did your investigation?