1. We’ve Got Beans!!!! Micah Pool Mr. Pool Room 10 5/2/2016

2. Problem Will bean seeds grow better in recycled materials or with natural potting soil?

3. Hypothesis Bean seeds will grow the best using the recycled cardboard because the cardboard will retain the water the most to nourish the plant.

4. Materials Milk cartons Potting soil Bean seeds Gravel Tray Cardboard cut into small pieces Newspaper shredded into strips Surface near a sunny window Water supply Measuring cups/spoons Nail for poking holes in cartons

5. Procedure Step 1 – Prepare 40 milk cartons for planting. Cut off the tops, rinse them thoroughly, punch seven holes in the bottom for drainage, put in one scoop of gravel. Step 2 – Fill 10 milk cartons by layering ½ cup of shredded newspaper with ½ cup of potting soil in each one. Step 3 - Fill 10 milk cartons by layering ½ cup of Styrofoam pellets with ½ cup of potting soil in each one. Step 4 - Fill 10 milk cartons by layering ½ cup of recycled cardboard with ½ cup of potting soil in each one. Step 5 – Fill 10 milk cartons with 1 cup of potting soil in each one. Step 6 – Plant 2 bean seeds(same variety) ½ inch deep in each milk carton. Step 7 – Place milk cartons on a tray near a window. Step 8 – Water each carton daily with 1 tablespoon of water. Step 9 – Observe and write a daily report on observations for 10 days.

6. Growth!!!! My combination of recycled newspaper and soil grew the best! On average, the bean seeds in the newspaper and soil were 2cm taller than all of the other seeds. The leaves in the potting soil looked healthier than all of the other seedlings. The recycled cardboard came in 2 nd. The potting soil came in 3 rd. The Styrofoam pellets came in 4 th.

7. Conclusion I was surprised by the results of my experiment. My hypothesis stated that the recycled cardboard would have the best seed growth. It was a close finish in the results, but the recycled newspaper won. It was able to retain the water more than the recycled cardboard.

8. Biblical Reference God has given us the proper materials to grow our own food here on earth. We need to work at figuring out a way to use recycled materials to help save the earth from pollution.