CARROT TOPS

PROBLEM: Can a plant grow from just the top of a carrot?

NOTE: YOU MUST START THIS PROJECT TONIGHT!

RESEARCH: What kind of root does a carrot have? Why is the root so big? What is needed for a plant to grow?

HYPOTHESIS: Can the carrot top provide what is needed for the plant to grow?

MATERIALS:          Shallow container

          4 carrots          

PROCEDURE:

1. Cut about half an inch off the end of the carrot that has the leaves. Cut the leaves off close to the base of the carrot.

2. Put the carrots into the container with the cut side down.

3. Add enough water to cover about half the carrot top.

4. Place the container in a well-lighted window.

5. Observe the carrot tops each day for any changes. Remember the changes may start out small and change slowly. Look for new leaves and roots.

6. Use a metric ruler to measure any growth you may observe.

7. Continue your observations for six days and write your report on the sixth day.

DATA: Make a chart to record any changes and measurements

CONCLUSION: This is not optional. You must explain what you learned by doing this activity.

Remember that you must answer the question you asked in your original problem statement.

NOTE: BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNS YOUR WORK. PARENTS: YOUR SIGNATURE SHOWS YOUR STUDENT HAS DONE THE WORK.

TEACHER SECTION:

POSSIBLE HYPOTHESIS: No growth will occur since the carrot is not living. OR Leaves will grow since even this small part of the plant is still living.

POSSIBLE CONCLUSION: The carrot top should show some new growth each day. The student should discuss the possible reasons for the growth.

E-Mail

Judy Schneider

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