Science Fair Project That Uses Nitrogen
A science fair allows students to compete by conducting scientific experiments designed to present a problem, research a question or detail a purpose. A controlled test is used to support or debunk a hypothesis using identical materials, supplies, with controlled variants, procedure and environment to ensure accuracy. A hypothesis is a tentative assumption that can be tested.
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Experiment with Nitrogen and Phosphorus
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Present a hypothesis that a fertilizer container with 30 percent nitrogen is superior to a mix containing 30 percent phosphorus or plain water and will result in a taller, healthier looking plant.
Nitrogen (N) is a primary nutrient plants need to absorb from soil or atmosphere. All living cells need nitrogen to help synthesize and transfer energy. Nitrogen contributes to chlorophyll, which gives plants their green hue and provides for photosynthesis.
Phosphorus (P) is another primary nutrient that encourages photosynthesis, builds roots and fosters plant blooms. Phosphorus helps form oils, sugars and starches.
Materials Needed
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All materials and measurements must remain consistent for accurate comparisons. Gather 12 small plastic plant starter or seedling pots with bottom drainage holes. Purchase a small bag of potting soil. Avoid brands with added nutrients. Purchase a small bag of water-soluble fertilizer with a high nitrogen composition (30-10-10) and one with a high phosphorus additive (15-30-15).
Get a seed package for plants, such as petunias or marigolds, and three one-gallon jugs of distilled water. Each seed package details the amount of sunlight that particular plant requires. For example, marigolds require full sunlight. Add a plant growing light if your growing location does not receive adequate light for the type of seed purchased.
Get three flat seedling trays to contain excess water overflow and segregate your pots, a ruler, permanent marker and a measuring glass. You will need a digital camera.
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Conduct the Experiment
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Label four pots each with "nitro," "phos" and "water"--that is, three pots with each label. Then on the side number the pots from one to 12, keeping them in order by group. Segregate the nitrogen, phosphorus and water pots in a tray. Add an equal amount of potting soil to each pot about two-thirds full. Place one seed in the middle of the plant at an equal depth. Position the three trays to receive equal amounts of sun or artificial light.
Label one jug each with "nitrogen," "phosphorus" or "water." Follow the fertilizer manufacturer instructions to prepare the watering mixtures. Prepare the nitrogen jug with the 30% nitrogen mixture; use the phosphorus fertilizer for another jug. Do not add to the water only jug. Follow the seed package for watering intervals. Make sure you water each tray with the correct control variant.
Observation
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Prepare a chart to track your results. Label the entries with your plant categories--"nitrogen," "phosphorus" and "water only." Add a row with the test sjubject numbers, one through 12. Keep track of the date and try to conduct your observations at the same time each day. Take a picture of each tray weekly.
Use the ruler to measure the height of each plant. Count the number of leaves and inspect the foliage. If the plant blooms, count the number of blooms. Write down your observations, including plant color and appearance.
Results
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At the conclusion of your experiment, make final observations and report the results. Write a summary of the experiment detailing your hypothesis, method of testing and materials used and observations. Add your digital photos. End the report by stating whether your hypothesis was proven or disproved.
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References
- Photo Credit Kei Uesugi/Photodisc/Getty Images
