1. Affecting Germination Lauren Yeagley Grade 9

2. Problem What solution will help watermelon seeds to germinate the quickest?

3. Research  Seed germination is the process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow.  The uses of the different solutions used:  Hydrogen peroxide: used to clean wounds, very acidic  Witch hazel: tightens tissues in the body and pores  Fruit juice (apple): a beverage  Carbonated water: a beverage  Water: everyday life, a beverage, necessity of life

4. Hypothesis  If 5 solutions were used then water will cause a greater number of germinated seeds than any other substance.

5. Materials Watermelon seeds (180) Petri Dishes (18) Coffee Filters Liquids used in testing (15 ml) : – Water – Carbonated Water – Fruit Juice – Hydrogen Peroxide – Witch Hazel

6. Procedure 1.18 petri dishes were set out 2.15 ml of the chosen liquids (water, hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, fruit juice (apple), carbonated water) were added to 3 petri dishes. (3 were left with no solution (liquid) in them for the control) 3.The bottoms of coffee filters were placed in each of the petri dishes. 4.10 seeds were added to each petri dish. 5.The 18 petri dishes were put in a dark temperature controlled area to sit for 10 days.

7. Variables  Control: the petri dish that had no solution in it  Independent Variable: the different solutions  Dependent Variable: the amount of seeds that germinated after 10 days  Constants: the petri dishes, 10 watermelon seeds, coffee filters, environment/location in which petri dishes were placed

8. Results 3 days

9. Results 5 days

10. Results 10 days

11. Data after 3 days

12. Data after 5 days

13. Data after 10 days

14. Growth Rate

15. Conclusion Hypothesis was supported. – Hypothesis was: If 5 solutions were used then water will cause a quicker germinate rate than any other substance. The following solutions inhibited germination throughout the project: Apple Juice, Hydrogen Peroxide, Control (nothing) Ways to improve the project: Soil could be added or more commonly used gardening substances could be tested. Results could have been recorded everyday (record more accurate germination rate) Seeds could have been left for longer.

16. Thanks!  Sources used:  http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Different-Uses-and- Properties-of-Hydrogen-Peroxide&id=5368552 http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Different-Uses-and- Properties-of-Hydrogen-Peroxide&id=5368552  http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural -medicine/herbal-remedies/witch-hazel-herbal- remedies.htm http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural -medicine/herbal-remedies/witch-hazel-herbal- remedies.htm  http://www.uni.edu/~iowawet/H2OProperties.ht ml http://www.uni.edu/~iowawet/H2OProperties.ht ml  Thank you to all those who were in attendance for listening. I would be glad to answer any questions that you may have.