Teachers, save “Plan an Experiment -Soil improvers- with…” to assign it to your class.

We have been learning about how fertilisers are used to improve the growth of plants. You have previously learned to plan your own experiments. I would like you to combine these two. I would like you to plan an experiment to test whether improving the soil -through fertilisers, plant food, manure or compost- improves the growth of a plant. You could even test two different types of soil or compost if you have them. If you have the necessary materials to do this at home then you can plan and set it up yourself choosing from what you have available. If you are using fertilisers then please use these under an adult's supervision and carefully following the instructions and warningson the packet. If you cannot carry out the experiment at home then I would like you still to plan the experiment and I will set up an experiment for you and update you on the results. You can choose between testing potatoes and fertiliser or tomato seeds and tomato food or radishes and fertiliser. I have attached a planning sheet which you can use but I would also like you to write up the experiment as we have done in class, either in writing or typed using the headings: Question -What it is you are testing. Hypothesis -What you think the answer is and why. Equipment -What you need. Diagram -How you will set the experiment up. -clear and labelled -use a ruler to draw lines. Method -Step by step instructions. -Full sentences Results -How you will collect and record your results. Use the planning sheet to consider your variables and how you will control them. Think about whether your experiment will actually answer your question. If you have any questions then please do ask -put a note in the Science folder.