We are continuing or research in Prof. Iskander’s Soil Mechanics Lab. This week we planted several different species in the hydrated aqua beads with varying conditions and control groups. We also are testing whether seeds will germinate in the artificial, transparent soils. For our conditions, we used 10 and 15% sucrose solutions, dH2O with 6mg of aspirin, and solutions with 0.1, 0.25, and 0.35g of fertilizer. The challenge is to add the necessary nutrients for growth while still maintaining soil transparency.

The solutions we make must not only have the proper refractive index for transparency, but they also must have the proper pH, turgor, and available nutrients. Through the use of variable testing, the students can see how the scientific method is applied, and how varying conditions affect the organism’s growth. This type of experimentation would give constructive, empirical experience to students in both the biology and chemistry labs.