Research Question: How does the type of water (tap water vs. saltwater) affect the germination and early growth of common garden seeds?

Hypothesis: If common garden seeds are exposed to saltwater instead of tap water, then their germination and early growth will be adversely affected due to the inhibitory effects of salt on seed development.

Statement of Problem: Seeds need water for germination, but will saltwater hinder this process? How does the type of water affect the early growth of common garden seeds?

Variables:

• Independent Variable: Type of water (tap water vs. saltwater)
• Dependent Variables:

• Germination rate (percentage of seeds that sprout)
• Early growth (measured in seedling height or number of leaves)

• Controlled Variables:

• Type of seeds used
• Amount of water given to each group
• Light exposure
• Temperature

Project Procedure:

1. Select Seeds:

1. Choose a common garden seed variety that is known to germinate relatively quickly.

2. Prepare Saltwater:

1. Mix salt in water to create a saline solution, making sure it is representative of saltwater but not excessively concentrated.

3. Planting Seeds:

1. Plant seeds in separate pots, ensuring the soil, and other conditions are the same for each group.

4. Watering:

1. Water one group of seeds with tap water and the other with the saltwater solution. Water each group consistently.

5. Controlled Variables:

1. Keep all other variables, such as light exposure, temperature, and the amount of water, constant for both groups.

6. Observation:

1. Regularly observe and record the germination rate and early growth of the seeds in each group.

7. Data Collection:

1. Collect data over a few weeks, noting the number of seeds that germinate and measuring the height or other relevant indicators of early growth.

8. Analysis:

1. Compare the germination rates and early growth between the two groups to identify any differences.

9. Conclusion:

1. Draw conclusions based on the results, considering how the type of water (tap water vs. saltwater) affects the germination and early growth of common garden seeds.

10. Communicate Results:

1. Create a display board for the science fair, presenting your research question, hypothesis, procedure, data, and conclusions in a clear and visually appealing manner using basic home materials.

Data:

Day 4 Qualitative Observations:

Group A (Tap Water):

Seedlings appeared green and healthy.

Uniform growth in terms of height and leaf development.

No signs of wilting or discoloration.

Group B (Saltwater):

Slower germination compared to Group A.

Seedlings exhibited stunted growth with yellowing of leaves.

Some seedlings showed signs of stress, including wilting and reduced vigor.

Observations should be made repeatedly at intervals during experimentation.

Interpretation:

• The quantitative data shows a clear difference in germination rates between the two groups, with Group A (Tap Water) consistently outperforming Group B (Saltwater).
• Group A reached 100% germination by Day 5, while Group B struggled to achieve the same level by Day 10.
• The qualitative observations align with the quantitative data, highlighting the adverse effects of saltwater on seed germination and early growth.

Conclusion: The hypothesis that saltwater inhibits the germination and early growth of common garden seeds is supported by the data. The experiment suggests that tap water is more conducive to successful seed germination and healthy early growth compared to saltwater.