The 4-H American Chestnut Project

Planting Seed Nuts

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Middle-school students in Rockbridge County started an experiment when they planted their seed nuts. They measured the weight and volume of each seed before they planted it, then recorded the height of seedlings six weeks later.

Hypothesis # 1: The larger the seed mass (weight) the greater the growth of seedlings.
Dependent variable: Growth of seedling
Independent variable: Seed mass (weight)

Hypothesis # 2: The larger the seed volume the greater the growth of seedlings.
Dependent variable: Growth of seedling
Independent variable: Seed volume

Click here to see: data collection sheet, data table, data graphs, pictures from the experiment

Questions for students to answer:
1. Look at the data collection sheet. What do you think is the dependent variable? The independent variable?
2. Look at the data tables. Did you disprove Hypothesis # 1? Hypothesis # 2?
3. Look at the data graphs. Did you disprove Hypothesis # 1? Hypothesis # 2?
4. Did the graphs help you see the results of your experiment?

Two RMS students get ready to plant.

RMS students put dirt in plastic tubes.