KS3 / KS4 Biology - Factors that affect germination

This film is from the series Biology Bites available on BBC Teach.

Science presenter, Jon Chase, investigates the effects of temperature, water and oxygen on seed germination.

He finds out that seeds germinate best in warm, moist and well-oxygenated conditions. He also looks at the effect fertiliser has on the rate of germination and plant growth.

Teacher Notes

Students could repeat the experiment seen in this short film using cress seeds. Do the students’ results reflect Jon Chase’s findings? Are temperature, water and oxygen the key factors?

The scientist interviewed says that water is the most important factor of the three. The scientist also says that fertilisers (nitrates) speed up germination (as well as plant growth). Does this match your students’ findings?

Students could then look at the fertilisation of plants, by placing pollen onto a stigma and observing it grow into a pollen tube.

Curriculum Notes

These short films will be relevant for teaching biology and science in general at KS3 and KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 in Scotland.

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