AGRISCIENCE EXERCISE

University of Arkansas - AgriScience Project

AGRISCIENCE EXERCISE

PLANT SCIENCE & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Key Concept: Photosynthesis

Sub-Concept: Phototropism

Agricultural Application: Agriculturalists must understand the light requirements of plant crops in order to maximize efficiency in their operations.

Exercise: Plant Maze

Applied Principle(s): Light requirements of a plant need to be meet for the plant to produce food.

Goals:

Explain why plants need light to grow.
Define the terms "photosynthesis" and "phototropism".
Explain how plants grow toward the light.

Materials Needed:

2 pieces cardboard
cardboard box
Styrofoam cups
scissors
small knife
bean seed (soaked overnight)
cotton batting, rock wool, or polyester fiberfill
hydroponics or aquaponics system

Teacher Preparation Notes:

A small seedling plant may be substituted for the bean seed in this activity.
Before conducting the activity, you may wish to prepare the box as follows. (Depending on the age of the children, you may have them prepare their own boxes.)

Cut a rectangular hole in one end of the box.
Cut a rectangular hole in each piece of cardboard.

Depending on the age of the students you may want to cut holes of 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter in the bottom of the Styrofoam cups

Procedures for Conducting the Activity:

1. Divide the class into pairs of students, and provide each with a data sheet and the necessary materials for this exercise.

2. Instruct the students to complete the activity as directed on their data sheets. You may wish to monitor their progress as they work; however, it is suggested that the students be left to follow the instructions and complete the activity on their own.

3. Once all groups have completed the exercise, discuss the answers to the discussion questions as a class. Be sure to make note of the practical agricultural applications of the principles demonstrated.

AGRISCIENCE EXERCISE

-Plant Maze -

Student Data/Instruction Sheet

1. Take a minute and discuss with your group what a plant needs in order to grow. List all of the factors that a plant needs in order to grow.

In this activity you will be observing the plant's ability to seek out the light it needs to grow.

2. Set up the plant maze box as follows:

a. Plant the bean by inserting it into the hole in the bottom of the Styrofoam cup and securing it with rock wool, cotton batting, of polyester fiberfill. (A seedling may be used, place rooting trough hole in cup and secure the stem to hold in place with cotton batting, etc.)

b. Stand the box on end, supporting the edge on the gutter; insert one of the cardboard shelves about one third of the way up from the bottom of the box.

c. Place the box over the cup after it has been inserted in growing tray. (The hole in the cardboard should be on the opposite side of the box from the cup.)

d. Place the lid on the box.

3. When the seedling has grown through the hole in the cardboard, insert the second shelf into the box. (The hole in the second shelf should be on the opposite side from the hole in the first shelf.) Replace the lid, and leave the box in its previous location.

4. After several days, the seedling should again change direction, growing toward the light coming from the hole in the top of the box.

5. Record the observations you have made during the course of this activity.

Be prepared to share your observations with the class.

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