How to Show the Effects of Acid Rain on Plants

Due to the noxious gasses escaping from coal-burning electric power plants, rain can become acidic. Acidic rain can harm wildlife in many ways, including slowing tree growth and inhibiting the germination of seeds. In this experiment, you will demonstrate the effect of a weak acid on seed germination.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 one gallon-sized sealable plastic bags
• Paper towels
• Peanuts, corn kernels, or other large seeds
• Stapler
• Vinegar

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

2. Prepare an acidic solution by mixing a tablespoon of vinegar to 1/2 cup water.

3. Wet the paper towel in one bag with water, and wet the other with the acid solution.

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

5. Lower three seeds into each 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 each bag.

6. Tape the bags in a sunny window, and a week later some of the seeds should germinate.

Tips & Warnings

• Check on the bags each day and add more water to keep the paper towel moist if needed.