This science project investigates the effect that gravity has on the growth of plants. Humans have long dreamed of colonizing a faraway planet. For this to happen, astronauts may need to produce food on space stations or in other new environments. Vegetables and fruits will need to be planted where there is no gravity or where the forces of gravity differ from that of earth. Bean plants grow easily and are inexpensive. Plant your beans in fresh soil. Monitor the amount of water and sunlight they receive. After the bean plants grow for about a week or two, turn them on their side. Eventually, they will start to turn upward, away from gravity. Measure the angle with a protractor. The results will surprise you as the plants grow away from the gravitational pull. You can also observe the roots as they grow toward gravity.
This science project investigates the ways earthworms benefit the soil in which farmers grow the foods we eat. Set up small earthworm colonies to compost different types of food waste. Be sure to make a count of each colony's population for later comparison. You will test the soils in each type of colony to see how diet affects both the earthworm population and the nutrients they put back into the soil. You will examine how feeding earthworms different types of food influences their reproduction and the quality of soil they produce. Feed each worm colony a different diet. You can choose leftover food, bits of fruit, chopped veggies, egg shells or plant clippings. After about two months, recount the number of worms in each colony to see how well they reproduced and evaluate the different soils for nutrient levels and acidity. Earthworms dig tunnels that aerate the soil. Farmers waste less time tilling this soil, and the soil is richer in nutrients than soil without earthworms. Though they are small, earthworms can have a major effect on our food systems.
This science project investigates the ways that plants can be grown in nutrient-rich water. Believe it or not, plants can grow without soil as long as they receive the correct micro and macro nutrients they require. Plants that grow hydroponically can actually be more productive than plants grown in soil. Because all of the nutrients are readily available to their roots in water, they can spend more time growing bigger leaves and producing more fruit or vegetables for farmers to harvest. One benefit of growing plants hydroponically is that the nutrients in the water can be completely controlled, and the plant can receive exactly the right amount of nutrients at exactly the right time. Another benefit of hydroponics is that it works in areas where the soils are not suitable for farming and in areas where there is no soil.
This science experiment asks you to examine and collect soil and measure its pH. The pH level is one of several important conditions that affect the health of plants. You will also survey the plants and animals that live in the area where you collected the soil. These surveys provide information about plants and animals that live under different conditions. The pH levels of soil can be affected by contamination or pollution, acid rain or even natural reasons. Every substance is acidic, basic or neutral. A pH scale that ranges from 0 to 14 measures the nature of a substance. Substances that measure from 0 to 7 are considered acid. Substances that measure from 7 to 14 are basic. The pH of pure water is 7; this is considered neutral. Most plants grow best around pH 7. This measurement can vary from plant to plant and is very important for farmers to consider when planting crops.