How does salt affect seed germination?

During our unit of work, we have been discussing how salinity occurs and how it affects our farmers crops, rivers, drinking water and Australian native plants. We will conduct an experiment that shows how much salinity affects seeds germinating, and decide whether salinity is really as bad as it sounds.

1. Firstly, make a prediction about whether you think the salty water will affect seed germination and why you think this. Discuss your reasons with a partner and write down your conclusions.

For this experiment the group will need: 5 dishes or containers 5 bottles big enough to hold 500mls water Cotton wool Seeds Corn seeds are supplied Measuring implements jug, measuring spoons Salt Tap water Place cotton wool in the five dishes, covering the bottom. Label each dish to match the bottle of water, i.e. tap water, fresh water etc. Spread 10 seeds in each dish. Label the bottles and carefully measure the salt into each bottle of water, as per the instructions. Place dishes in a lighted area, not necessarily in direct sunlight and water them until the cotton wool is damp not soaking. If the cotton wool gets too wet, the seeds may rot.
Salinity Experiment Worksheet Year 6
Jenni Allen 228143 Assignment 3 Sem. 2

Instructions for measuring the salt In 500mls tap water.

1 Tap water 2 Fresh water 3 Low EC 4 Brackish water 5 Sea water EC = Electrical conductivity No salt added 20 grains salt 1 pinch salt teaspoon salt 5 teaspoons salt 0 100 EC Approx. 200 EC Approx. 1400 EC Approx. 7800 EC Approx. 50000 EC

2. Using the table record the number of seeds that have germinated. Record any other findings below the table.
Seed type: Corn Salt solution Number of germinated seeds 1st count 2nd count 3rd count Date: Date: Date: 4th count Date: 5th count Date: Final count Date:

Tap water Fresh water Low EC Brackish water Sea water

3. At the conclusion of the experiment, analyse what the findings were. Use a graph to present the results of your observations. Record this in your Science book. (You can use any type of graph that you find appropriate).

4. Discuss the experiment with your partner and decide whether the outcome was different to the prediction. Also think about what changes could be made to make this experiment simpler, different, or fairer include problems that you have encountered along the way. What other questions could you ask about this experiment? Try to solve them.

Salinity Experiment Worksheet Year 6

Jenni Allen 228143 Assignment 3 Sem. 2