Investigating Plant Macronutrients Using Hydroponics

Grades 6–12

Do plants only grow in soil? Not always. Sometimes they grow in water. In this essential life science activity, the science of hydroponics is used to supply plants with different amounts of key macronutrients and observe how the presence or absence of certain chemicals affects plant growth.

The uniquely designed, transparent Lab-Aids® Greenhouse was designed for small, controlled investigations. This easy-to-use apparatus allows you to readily observe plant physiology, particularly root development. Additional experiments can be designed to investigate, observe, and gather data on variables such as aeration and temperature or to compare the speed of seed germination or plant growth. This highly graphic and unique activity can be used by individuals or in groups. Excellent activity for science fairs or projects.

Features:

• 1 activity for a ~50 minute class period
• Accommodates 6 groups of 4 students each (up to 24 students total)
• Number of simultaneously germinating seeds: 36 total, maximum 6 per chamber 
• Includes digital resources
• Requires a water source

Kit includes:

• 1 teacher’s guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data, and answers
• 28 student worksheets and guides with age appropriate background information, full procedures, and analysis questions
• 42 germinating plugs
• 6 Lab-Aids® Mini Greenhouses
• 6 foam germinating floats
• 6 cardboard light shields
• 1 bottle of iron chelate solution
• 1 bottle of trace element solution
• 1 30-mL bottle of Ca(NO3)2 solution
• 1 30-mL bottle of CaCl2 solution
• 1 30-mL bottle of KCl solution
• 1 30-mL bottle of KNO3 solution
• 1 30-mL bottle of MgSO4 and KH2PO4 solution
• 1 7-mL bottle trace element solution
• 1 7-mL bottle iron chelate solution
• 1 tomato seed packet
• 1 carnation seed packet
• 1 corn seed packet
• 1 marigold seed packet
• 1 pea seed packet
• 1 safety data sheet packet

Not included and needed for instruction: Paper towels, roll(s) of masking tape, marker(s), supply of deionized water, and large-bulb pipette(s).

WARNING: Choking Hazard. Small Parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.