Science Experiment Ramblings

Here's an new update on George's current science activities. We've posted our results below. 

It was an interesting experiment  - for the first week there was little difference in the plants and I was starting to wonder if the articles I'd seen about 'the myth of phosphate concerns' were true. However, by the end of week 2 there was some significant data....

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George Grade 5

May 01, 2012

Science Report: The Effect of Water Pollution On Living Things

B.C. Science Probe 5. Pages 194-197.

1. Introduction: Most soaps contain phosphates. Phosphates help soap clean better. Some of these phosphates, however, cause water pollution when they go down the drains into the water supply.
   
   
   2. Question: Which seedling will grow better? The ones with phosphate or the one without?

3. Prediction: I think the seedlings will grow better without phosphate.
   
   
4. Materials: Three groups of seedlings, three spray bottles, ruler, measuring cup, trisodium phosphate powder, and water.
   
   
5. Procedure:

1. Put the seedlings in three grouping. Label one group 'water only', one 'diluted phosphate water', and one 'concentrated phosphate water'.
    
2. Measure the height of seedlings.
   
   
3. Record the measurements in the observation chart.
   
   
4. Water the seedlings with equal amounts every second day for three weeks.
   
   
5. Measure the height of the seedlings at the end of the trial and record the data.

Watering

6. Data and Observations:

Seedlings Group Number	Amount of Soap in Water	Average Height at the Beginning of Experiment (May 01st 2012)	Average Height at the End of the Experiment (May 14th2012)	Other Observations
1	0.00%	143mm	154mm	It looks like the plant is doing much better than the rest.
2	10.00%	121mm	60mm	It looks like this one is the worse one of them all it's looks ok.
	40.00%	120mm	100mm	This one looks horrible it's looks so old and crumpled its not the shortest but its the ugliest.

 

1. The seedlings which grew the most were Group 1. The seedlings which grew the least were Group 3.
   
   
2. During the experiment the seedlings which had phosphate added start to turn brown.
   
   
3. The phosphate in the water definitely affected the seedlings because the group with the most phosphates died. The group with no phosphate are healthy.
   
   
4. Conclusion: My prediction was correct. The seedlings grow better without phosphates.

7.  Apply & Extend 

1) Based on my experiment I think plants that grow in ponds that have phosphates will die.

2) Any animals in a pond with phosphates may die if they eat the phosphates. Pond animals that need plants to eat will starve.

3) Some manufacturers now make soap without phosphates because it is proven that phosphates kill plants. Some manufacturers care about the environment.

Joyfully aware,

Caz.