Wisconsin Fast Plant Lab
Name: ________________________
This lab exercise is much more observational than investigative. At the end of this project each student should be able to describe the life cycle of a flowering plant. Throughout this lab, you will have an opportunity to observe roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, embryo, pollen, ovary, egg cells, germination, and fertilization. We will be using Wisconsin Fast Plants (Brassica rapa), which are members of the cabbage family! The cool thing about these plants is that they complete a whole life cycle in about 40 days.
All materials are provided for you and will vary by the day. However, you are required to bring to class each day a calculator, writing utensil, and paper that you will keep data and notes on.
1) Follow the directions given for planting.
2) Everyday water the plants.
3) Each day you will take the appropriate measurements based on what the class decides to observe.
4) Fill in your data chart that the class will make together.
5) Continue steps 2-4 for the next 40 days or until the teacher says to stop.
6) At about day 12, make bee sticks.
7) At about days 13-16 pollinate flowers.
8) At about day 40, harvest seed pods.
You will be required to keep track of the following information that will be handed in.
1) Data Table that class makes up.
2) Graphs of each factor studied from the data table.
3) Drawings of plants at days assigned in class. Each drawing must be labeled.
4) A written essay on the growth of seed plants in general.
**The above will be put together in a small booklet. This booklet should have a cover that includes a title, your name, date, and hour.
This lab will conclude with an assessment to be determined later.