ABSTRACT
This experiment was designed to test the idea that bean seeds might sprout better depending on the type of soil in which they were planted. I hypothesized that the beans would sprout faster in Soil A, which is browner and contains more organic matter. The independent variable in the experiment was soil type, and the dependent variable was the growth of the beans. Variables that were controlled include the amount of light and water the beans received, the type of seeds and the method in which they were planted.
Each student in class prepared their planting cup by punching five holes in the bottom and placing a 2 inch by 2 inch piece of paper towel in the inside. One of two types of soil was filled to the blue line, and five pinto bean seeds were place on that. Seeds were covered by 0.25 additional inches of soil and then placed water-filled trays contained in the classroom growth chamber. Results of how many seeds sprouted in each cup and for each treatment as a whole were recorded in the data table at the beginning of class for four class periods.
Classroom data was compiled and graphed using Microsoft Excel. The data showed that while a greater number of seeds planted in Soil A sprouted, the percentage of seeds that sprouted in each soil type were very similar. Problems that were encountered included 1) mold growing on the top of the cups that might have prevented additional seeds from sprouting; and 2) some students not planting seeds according to directions. Analysis of the limited data we had led me to the conclusion that the bean seeds did not sprout faster in Soil A compared to Soil B, meaning that my hypothesis was proven wrong.