Science Smarts: Just the right experiment for first-timers

By Patty Rooks on February 1, 2025.

It has been a busy month helping out the students in southeastern Alberta prepare for their school science fair as well as the 50th annual Regional Science Fair on March 22, 2025.

This is an exciting anniversary for all of us but has a special meaning for me, as I remember being one of the first participants in the Regional Science Fair. Perhaps that is why I enjoy my job so much, as I can relate to the young scientists who showcase projects each and every year.

If you are having trouble picking a topic the best advice I can give you is to visit the Praxis website, as there are some great resources in the “science fair” link. If you have a bit more time, do not despair, I am going to share an experiment with you that may work quite well for a first time elementary student.

Remember, it is important to get started as early as you can. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Bean seeds

• Potting soil

• 10 small pots/cups/jars to plant the seeds in

• Ruler

• Camera

• Tap water

• Bottled water

• Melted snow/rain water

• Science fair notebooks

• Science fair logbooks

• Measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

• Well lit room or windowsill

• Masking tape

• Marker

Procedure

1. Find a good sturdy work surface to work on. Make sure that it is fine that it is going to get a bit dirty.

2. Using the masking tape and marker, label the pots one to ten.

3. Measure 125 ml (1/2 cup) of soil and place in each cup.

4. Place two bean seeds in each cup.

5. Using the end of the pencil with the eraser, gently push the seeds in to the soil. Not too far down. Make sure they are covered up with soil.

6. Measure 60 mL (1/4 cup) of water. Pour over the plant labeled #1 (tap water).

7. Label the second pot #2 (bottled water).

8. The third pot will say #3 (melted snow water).

9. Place pots in windowsill.

10. Water your plants once a day; with the appropriate type of water (tap water/bottled water/melted snow). Ensure that the soil stays moist.

11. At this point you may want to decide to water them 10 ml (2 teaspoons) each day – you decide.

12. Each day write down your observations and work in your Science Fair Logbook. Record any changes in their appearance. Write down when they sprouted.

13. Once they begin to grow, use your ruler and measure them every day.

14. Record these measurements in a chart.

15. Let your plants grow for at least two weeks (fourteen days), taking their measurements every day and recording that information in your log book.

16. You may also want to take pictures every day so you can put it up on your backboard in case your plants die before the science fair at school.

Explanation

How well did the plants grow? When you made your observations, did you see any difference between the plants watered with tap water or bottled water? How about the melted snow water and the tap water? Were the plants different colours? Did one look stronger than the other?

Think about these questions and do some further research to see which type of water may be more beneficial or even harmful to plants that are growing. This is all important information to one of Alberta’s largest industries – farming!

If you are looking for a great way to stay organized, download our Science Fair Handbook on our Science Fair page on the website!

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: 12 826 11th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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