Seed Germination and Acid Rain Lab
Name: ___________________________ Group Members Names: _________________________
Background:
Pollution from burning fossil fuels included nitrogen and sulfur compounds. They combine with water vapor in
the atmosphere to form low pH solutions like sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When this water falls to the ground, it is
called acid rain. It affects any organisms. It can damage forest, crops, soil, and buildings. How much acid rain makes an
impact on the environment?
Acid rain is measured using a scale called pH. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is. It
ranges from 0 – 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic and a pH greater than 7 is basic.
Normal rain is slightly acidic because carbon dioxide dissolves in it, so it has a pH of about 5.5. In recent years,
the most acidic rain falling in the US has a pH of about 4.3.
Purpose: How does acid rain affect the germination and growth of radish seeds?
Hypothesis: __________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Materials:
100% Vinegar = pH _______
25% Vinegar Solution = pH _____________
20% Vinegar Solution= pH _____________
15% Vinegar Solution = pH _____________
10% Vinegar Solution = pH _____________
5% Vinegar Solutions = pH ____________
1% Vinegar Solution = pH _____________
0% Vinegar (water)= pH _____________
petri plates
Paper towels for the bottom of the petri plates
Scissors
Procedure:
1. Cut paper 14 paper towel circles (2 for each dish) for each petri dish.
2. Label the 7 petri dishes (one for each solution)
3. Use a pipette full of the appropriate solution to wet the paper towels in each petri dish.
4. Put 10 radish seeds in each petri dish (spread out to allow growth room).
5. Place under the grow lights.
6. Every day, make observations and put three drops of solution on the papertowels to keep the seeds moist.
Data:
Germination – How Many Sprout?
Vinegar Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
Solution
0%
1%
5%
10%
15%
20%
100%
Root Growth – In Millimeters
Vinegar Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
Solution
0%
1%
5%
10%
15%
20%
100%