Salinity & Mung Beans
Designing a Controlled Experiment
The Scenario
Farmers in the central valley of California have
become increasingly concerned about the buildup of salt in the soil and water. Farmers know
that small amounts of salt in the soil and water
will not adversely affect the germination and
growth of their crops. But as the salt
concentration increases, negative impacts occur.
Eventually salt concentration may become so
great that seeds will no longer germinate.
Your Job
These farmers want your “company” to do the
research and present them with a report that
show how increasing salt concentrations will
affect the germination of their seed crops.
They need to know the relationship between
salt concentration and the percent of seeds
germinating as well as the average growth.
The Requirements
 Your lab report must be typed and turned into me
to me by Friday, Sept. 9. It will follow the format
(slides to follows). Failure to do so will result in a
deduction of points.
 The experiment will run for 11 days with 5 days to
type out and submit. This is a group experiment
(you will share data, tables, charts, observations)
but the lab report is INDIVIDUAL.
The Relationship Between Salt
Concentration and the Germination of
Mung Bean Seeds
By Happy Feet
Period 2
Other group members include:
Sad Feet
Happy Arms
Pretty Eyes
Lab Report Format for this Class
State the purpose: “At what percent concentration of salt will
mung beans stop germinating? What is the relationship
between salt concentration and percent of germination?”
II. State the hypothesis
III. Perform the experiment
A. Materials
B. Procedure
C. Controls & Variables
1) Describe the control group
2) Describe the experimental group
3) Identify the controlled variables of the experiment.
4) Identify the independent variable
5) Identify the dependent variable
I.
Lab Report Format for this Class
IV.Organize the Data
A. Recorded Data – table I initialed
B. Processed Data - none
C. Graphs, tables, and charts – bar
graph
V. Conclusion
(continued)…Do not write the
questions. Write in complete sentences.
A.Restate the problem that you were solving.
B.State your results.
C.What do your results mean? What is the
relationship between salt concentration and the
percent of seeds germinating?
D.Did you solve the problem or answer the question?
Explain.
E.What was your hypothesis?
F. Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not?
Refer to your experiment and/or data.
V. Conclusion
(continued)…Do not write the
questions. Write in complete sentences.
G. Complete the following:
1. “Before this lab, I never knew…”
2. “As a result of this lab, I learned…”
3. “Because of this lab, I would like to learn more about…”
H. Reflection.
1. What did you think of the lab or activity?
2. What did you enjoy the most?
3. The least enjoyable (do not say… “writing this report”. I
want actual thought and reason)
I. If you had to do the lab or activity again, how would you
improve it? “Nothing” is unacceptable. There is always
room for change with everything we do in life.
Other information…
 You will have 1 control group (if it dies you get no
higher than a D grade) 4 cups for the experimental
group.
 In the materials section of your lab report, you will list
the materials in a table, bullet style
 You will pre-mix all salt solutions and store in water
bottles
 Remember the activity “Can it be replicated?” Write
detailed and precise procedures (use Step 1, Step 2).
Other information…(continued)
 I must initial your table/chart each day measurements
and observations are taken.
 You will have to scan the original data table/chart that
has my initials and put it into your report.
 You will include pictures. Ok to use cell phone
 Your data will be placed into a graph. If you do your
graph on graphing paper, it must be scanned and put it
into your report.
 I must see the table/chart you will use to collect your
data before you begin the experiment. The table/chart
must includes labels and titles
Other information…(continued)
 Show me your list of materials needed. I will
tell you what I have and what you need to bring
it.
 We start this Wednesday/Thursday.