How to Show that Plants Sense Gravity

How do plants know which way is up? You probably know that plants use the sun to sense direction, but they can also grow the right direction even in the dark. In this simple science experiment, you will see that plants can sense gravity.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gallon-sized sealable plastic bag
• Paper towels
• Peanuts, corn kernels, or other large seeds
• Stapler

1. Put a piece of paper towel in the plastic bag that is roughly the same dimensions of the bag.

2. Wet the paper towel in the bag with water.

3. Add three pairs of staples across the center of the bag, spaced just a quarter of an inch apart so that they can hold up the seeds.

4. Lower three seeds into the bag so that each seed is held up by a pair of staples. You should now have three seeds lined up across the middle of the bag.

5. Tape the bag in a dark cupboard and check on it a week later. Notice that the roots and shoots are growing in the right direction, even in the dark!

6. Turn the bag sideways, place it back in the dark, and check a week later. The roots and shoots should turn in growth and start growing the right direction again.