Photosynthesis Sunlight Vs. Artificial Lights Lab

 

1. A Title
2. purpose
3. hypothesis/ predictions
4. experimental design
5. materials
6. safety concern
7. procedure
8. references

• Title: Do Plants Grow Better in Sunlight or Artificial Light

• Purpose: The purpose of this project is to show the grow through a process called photosynthesis in natural light through the sun and artificial light.

• Hypothesis/ predictions: I predict that plants will grow better under Artificial Light bulb, rather than use natural light.

• Experimental /Procedure: First we will pot the beans. Use your finger and make a small hole about 2 inches deep into the soil of each of the 2 pots. Put a bean into each hole and cover it up with soil. Label each pot with the type of light it will receive sunlight or light bulb light. Take one pot and put it under a light bulb and turn it on. Set it on timer so that it can mimic the time the sun rises and sets daily. If you don't have a timer, you'll have to wake up in the morning and turn the light on and close it at night when the sun sets. Take the other pot and put it in a place with lots of bright sunlight. Perhaps a windowsill.

Give the plants their first taste of water. Just give them a little water. Just a sprinkle, spritz, or "rain" would do. Do not overwater them with too much! You will water them the same amount at least daily or when they are dry. You can test if they are getting too much water by just sticking your finger to the side of the bean and into the soil. If your finger comes out muddy, they have too much water and you shouldn't water them. The soil should be a nice dampness or dry. The beans should germinate in 2-5 days, depending on location and conditions. After this, you should start monitoring their daily growth for 2 weeks and measure how tall the sprout is for each sample. Any other things you see like a difference in plant healthiness?

• Materials:

• An incadescent light bulb
• Light timer (if you don't have this....there is an alternative: keep reading)?
• Sunlight?
• 2 beans (i.e. lima beans, lentils, pinto beans)?
• 2 pots with soil?
• Water (same amount for each pot, we are only changing the light source)?
• Ruler?
• Pen and paper?

• Safety concern: Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.