Thread: Biology Experiement idea's

I am currently in grade 11 and for assessment we have to conduct an individual experiment, revolving around the topic of plants. I am looking for an idea that will be simple, yet different to everyone elses. It can't be too expensive and the equipment needs to be things that are usually found in high schools. If anyone has any ideas that could be of use, please respond.

Not necessarily enitrely apropos but has anyone done experiements on the responsiveness of plants to differently coloured light (taken from specific areas of th spectrum)?

Do they photosynthesise more easily under, say blue as they do under the same total energy of red light, and so on?

Perhaps you could grow replicate seedlings in media (aquaculture would be best for the demonstration) containing different types of pollutants.

Another possibility that would certainly be different, would be to make leaf prints from a range of plant species on agar plates - allowing the growth of any bacteria from the plant leaves. You should see that the different species host different bacteria, which may be easily differentiated. This would be a demonstration of commensalism.

science fair projects give you the opportunity to experience science and biology through hands-on activities. in order to ensure that you have a great biology project, it is important that you first understand biology and the scientific method. simply put, biology is the study of life. we use the scientific method as a means of studying science and biology.
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jenilopaz

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Originally Posted by sunshinewarrior

Not necessarily enitrely apropos but has anyone done experiements on the responsiveness of plants to differently coloured light (taken from specific areas of th spectrum)?

Do they photosynthesise more easily under, say blue as they do under the same total energy of red light, and so on?

Ya this is a great basic experiment that can be done on plants very easily, it's a pretty common experiment so other people might do it too.

Another interesting experiment is to look at the regenerative ability of plants. Cut them at different sections and see if they can regenerate. The growth hormones that stimulate root growth are produced in the leaves, and the hormone that promotes upper plant structures are produced in the roots. The stem cells are located in the nodules on the stem. All these things can be demonstrated with this experiment.

Why not extract some bright pigments from plants - say carotenoids from carrots? Use acetone or ethyl acetate (nail polish remover).

Method for extracting pigments from plants:
http://ilovebacteria.com/indicators.htm
The pigments make good pH indicators - maybe you could investigate why leaves turn different colours in the fall.

http://www.c-lab.co.uk/default.aspx?id=28&projectid=58 This is also interesting - how to show chlorophyll in action.

You can separate the different pigments in green or fall leaves by grinding them up in rubbing alcohol in a glass jar (put lid on loosely), then warm the jar in a pan of water for about half an hour, cut up strips of blotting paper and stick end into the jars (no longer in hot water). The alcohol will start to move up the paper and separate out all the different colours. It's really simple, but that gives you more time to work on how to make it into a good experiment, with controls/variable that you're trying to test/a decent hypothesis.