<a name=top>A Harvest of Garden Experiments

A Harvest of Garden Experiments - Science Kit

Planting by the Phases of the Moon

(...excerpt from A Harvest of Garden Experiments (46807-00)
click here to purchase this teacher developed book

Questions to Explore

1. What are the dark or waning phases of the Moon?

2. Which crops should be planted during the waning phases?

3. What are the light or waxing phases of the Moon?

4. Which crops should be planted during the waxing phases?

5. Under which Moon phases should plants be transplanted?

Note:

This experiment uses the astronomical placement of the Moon, not the astrological placement of the Moon. This experiment could be repeated using the astrological placement.

Problem

Will planting by the phases of the Moon make a difference in the amount harvested of a crop?

Procedure

1. Obtain a Farmer's Almanac and select a crop to plant according to the phases of the Moon.

2. Select 2 plots with similar conditions (soil, lighting, etc.). Plant the first plot according to the phases of the Moon; plant the second plot during one of the opposing phases of the Moon. Be sure to label or record which group of seeds was planted in which plot.

3. At the time of harvest, record the amount harvested from each crop and analyze the results. Crops should be given the same number of days to grow from planting to harvesting.

back 2 top

Worms and Composting

(...excerpt from A Harvest of Garden Experiments (46807-00)
click here to purchase this teacher developed book

Questions to Explore

1. What is composting?

2. What types of worms help decompose material?

3. What types of items can be put in a compost pile?

4. What types of items should not be put in a compost pile?

5. Which items are considered to be nitrogen-rich (also known as "greens")

6. Which items are considered to be carbon-rich (also known as "browns")

7. What role do worms have in composting?

Problem Do worms really make a difference in the rate that materials decompose in a compost pile?

Procedure: 1. Obtain 2 five-gallon buckets with tight fitting lids (school cafeterias usually have a surplus of these).

2. Drill 1/8-inch holes in the sides, top, and bottom of each bucket to allow air to enter. Space holes about 3 inches apart on the sides and 2 inches apart on top and bottom. NOTE: if you are not able to drill the holes yourself, you may be able to find someone in the school maintenance or industrial technology departments to help you.

3. Select the materials to be used in the compost. Remember to layer the nitrogen rich and carbon rich materials. Measure the materials and add the same amount of each material toeach container. Add a dozen redworms to one of the buckets and label the bucket "worms". Put lids on securely and roll for 5 minutes. (It is suggested that the buckets be left outside. Heat can build up in the containers.)

4. Twice a week have students roll the buckets for 5 minutes to mix materials. Check to make sure lids are on securely before the students roll the buckets.

5. After 4 weeks dump out the contents, discuss the results, and draw conclusions.

back 2 top

Back to Science Online Table of Contents