How Does the Environment Effect Plant Growth — Investigation Booklet

Use this experiment booklet to support your science lesson. This resource can be used to guide your students through a fun experiment they can even try at home with their families. In this science experiment, students will plant and observe the effects of shade vs. sun on plants. They will also investigate the impact of salt water vs. fresh water on the overall growth of the plant.

This printable workbook guides students through the experiment, having them organise and record their observations and hypotheses throughout the activity. It includes a materials list, data recording sheets, and a reading passage that reviews key information. Students will complete the following tasks.

• Select experiment subjects and plant them in the classroom.
• Identify materials needed, as well as locations and controls for the experiment.
• Observe the effects of sunlight and water sources.
• Record findings and summarize results.

Through this activity, students will show how to analyse, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations using experimental and observational testing.

Completing Your Experiment in the Classroom

To conduct this experiment, you will need: 

• Four adult flowering plants
• Saltwater
• Tap water 
• Measuring Cups for watering
• Soil
• Four pots to plant into
• Sunny location 
• Dark location
• Observation materials (i.e. magnifying glass, tape measure, pencil)

**Note: This Experiment Takes Two Weeks! **

To set up this experiment: 

1. Plant the flowering plants with soil into the pots. 
2. Place 2 of the potted plants in a full sun location. 
3. Place 2 of the potted plants in a full-shade area. 
4. Fill out the next section of your experiment book called Day 1. 
5. Observe the plants at regular intervals and record scientific observations.

Printing Your No-Cut Science Experiment Booklet

Use the Download button to download the PDF or Google Slides file. Print, copy, and prep your experiment materials in advance! 

We recommend printing each student a workbook in advance of your project. These booklets are designed so they do not require any cutting and ordering of pages. Simply print each student a packet, remembering to select “Flip on Short Edge” before your print. Once printed, simply fold the packet in half, staple it, and your books are ready to go!

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.