Question:
Does Ocimum basilicum (basil) or Coriandrum sativum (cilantro) grow faster in an aquaponics system at 75 degrees Fahrenheit?
Hypothesis:
If an aquaponics system is at 75 degrees Fahrenheit, then the basil will grow faster.
Variables:
Independent Variable- Type of plant (basil or cilantro)
Dependent Variable- Growth rate (percent)
Constants- Water temperature, fish used in aquaponics, sunlight exposure, amount of time plants have to grow, dissolved oxygen, time tested
Methodology:
Materials:
What, How, and When of Data Collection:
We will be collecting data on the heights of each plant's stem every other day by measuring it with a ruler, recording the measurements on raw data tables. Each measurement will be taken in centimeters. Data collection will be completed four weeks after the seeds are planted.
How Data Will be Reported/Presented:
Using the raw data, we will calculate the percent change in height for each plant.
Percent change= (Final height-Initial height)/Initial height x100
All data will be reported in the form of percents to show growth rates.
Our final growth rates will be graphed on a line graph, showing a different colored line for all three trials of each plant and the average for both the basil and cilantro. Time is on the x axis and percent change in height is plotted along the y axis. (See example below).
How Data Will be Analyzed:
We will analyze the data through our chart and graph made from the raw data after percent change is calculated. The percent change in height graph will show any spikes or drops in growth rate. Also during experimentation, we will be observing for any significant changes or factors that may contribute to the results to help analyze the data and identify sources of error.
Does Ocimum basilicum (basil) or Coriandrum sativum (cilantro) grow faster in an aquaponics system at 75 degrees Fahrenheit?
Hypothesis:
If an aquaponics system is at 75 degrees Fahrenheit, then the basil will grow faster.
Variables:
Independent Variable- Type of plant (basil or cilantro)
Dependent Variable- Growth rate (percent)
Constants- Water temperature, fish used in aquaponics, sunlight exposure, amount of time plants have to grow, dissolved oxygen, time tested
Methodology:
Materials:
- 5 gallon tank
- Large floating raft
- 6 net pots
- Hydroton
- 18 Basil seeds
- 18 Cilantro seeds
- 5 Goldfish
- Goldfish pellets
- Light source (Lamp)
- Air pump
- Air stone
- Ruler
- Step up aquaponics deep water culture system. For the floating rafts, cut holes large enough for the net pots, which have the hydrotons and plant seeds. There should be three net pots for basil and cilantro each. Put the air stone into the tank and fill about 3/4th of the tank with water. Add the fish. Put the floating rafts in the tank.
- Measure and record the height of each plant every three days. The initial measurement is zero for both plants. To corroborate the height changes, take a picture of the system.
- Feed the goldfish pellets to the goldfish twice a day. Make sure to remove all uneaten pellets 5 minutes after feeding.
- Repeat steps 2-3 until aquaponics data collection is complete.
What, How, and When of Data Collection:
We will be collecting data on the heights of each plant's stem every other day by measuring it with a ruler, recording the measurements on raw data tables. Each measurement will be taken in centimeters. Data collection will be completed four weeks after the seeds are planted.
How Data Will be Reported/Presented:
Using the raw data, we will calculate the percent change in height for each plant.
Percent change= (Final height-Initial height)/Initial height x100
All data will be reported in the form of percents to show growth rates.
Our final growth rates will be graphed on a line graph, showing a different colored line for all three trials of each plant and the average for both the basil and cilantro. Time is on the x axis and percent change in height is plotted along the y axis. (See example below).
How Data Will be Analyzed:
We will analyze the data through our chart and graph made from the raw data after percent change is calculated. The percent change in height graph will show any spikes or drops in growth rate. Also during experimentation, we will be observing for any significant changes or factors that may contribute to the results to help analyze the data and identify sources of error.