The Effect of Light on Snapdragons
Mr. Tracy
7th Grade Science
7 May 2012
The Effect of Light on Snapdragon Flowers
Introduction:
It is a well-known fact that plants need light for nourishment, yet many people are ignorant of the reasons behind this. The biological process by which green plants utilize carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to form their own food is called photosynthesis (unknown). Past research has demonstrated that red and blue rays maximize this process (Rothenburger, 1993). The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effect of several different light sources on plant growth. The Five lights sources studied were incandescent, black, fluorescent, colored, and natural light.
Past research in this area has shown that natural light produces the healthiest plants, because it contains an even amount of red and blue light waves. Humans cannot see light waves. Though we cannot see the distribution of red and blue light rays, we believe that the natural light is the best source for giving red and blue light waves. This knowledge is so important to the world. Since a large portion of our food is plant based, it is important for those in agriculture to know how to maximize plant growth and fruit production. Artificial light sources cannot compare to Mother Nature. Plants must have the best type of light possible which, in the case of snapdragons means exposing them to a generous amount of sunshine (Badgett 2012).
Materials: 1. 5 Snapdragons 2. Fred Myer potting soil 3. 1 Feit Electric 13W Mini CFL Bulb, red 4. Mainstays Fluorescent light 5. 2 Milk Jugs 6. Incandescent light 7. Black light 8. 2 coffee cans 9. 1 pot
Methods: 1. The five snapdragons were potted in their containers. The pots were filled ¾ of the way full with potting soil. 2. Each day, the plants were put under their lights for two-2 hour periods. 3. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, pictures were taken of each plant and their growth was measured. 4. After
7th Grade Science
7 May 2012
The Effect of Light on Snapdragon Flowers
Introduction:
It is a well-known fact that plants need light for nourishment, yet many people are ignorant of the reasons behind this. The biological process by which green plants utilize carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to form their own food is called photosynthesis (unknown). Past research has demonstrated that red and blue rays maximize this process (Rothenburger, 1993). The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effect of several different light sources on plant growth. The Five lights sources studied were incandescent, black, fluorescent, colored, and natural light.
Past research in this area has shown that natural light produces the healthiest plants, because it contains an even amount of red and blue light waves. Humans cannot see light waves. Though we cannot see the distribution of red and blue light rays, we believe that the natural light is the best source for giving red and blue light waves. This knowledge is so important to the world. Since a large portion of our food is plant based, it is important for those in agriculture to know how to maximize plant growth and fruit production. Artificial light sources cannot compare to Mother Nature. Plants must have the best type of light possible which, in the case of snapdragons means exposing them to a generous amount of sunshine (Badgett 2012).
Materials: 1. 5 Snapdragons 2. Fred Myer potting soil 3. 1 Feit Electric 13W Mini CFL Bulb, red 4. Mainstays Fluorescent light 5. 2 Milk Jugs 6. Incandescent light 7. Black light 8. 2 coffee cans 9. 1 pot
Methods: 1. The five snapdragons were potted in their containers. The pots were filled ¾ of the way full with potting soil. 2. Each day, the plants were put under their lights for two-2 hour periods. 3. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, pictures were taken of each plant and their growth was measured. 4. After