Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

Research Question: How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants?

Materials: Aquatic plant (e.g., Elodea), beaker, water, sodium bicarbonate, light source (lamp), ruler, stopwatch, measuring cylinder, scissors

Procedure:

1. Fill a beaker with water and add a small amount of sodium bicarbonate to provide a source of carbon dioxide.
2. Cut a piece of the aquatic plant (about 10 cm) and place it in the beaker with the cut end facing upwards.
3. Position the light source at a fixed distance (e.g., 10 cm) from the beaker.
4. Allow the plant to acclimate to the light for 5 minutes.
5. Start the stopwatch and count the number of oxygen bubbles produced by the plant in 1 minute.
6. Record the number of bubbles.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 at different distances (e.g., 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm) to vary the light intensity.
8. Compare the rate of photosynthesis (number of bubbles) at different light intensities.

Q: Conduct the experiment and record your observations.
A: To conduct the experiment, follow the procedure outlined in your lab manual. Ensure you have all necessary materials and safety equipment. Record your observations systematically, noting any changes, reactions, or anomalies. Pay attention to details such as color changes, temperature variations, gas production, or precipitate formation. Document the time intervals and conditions under which each observation occurs. After completing the experiment, review your notes to ensure all relevant data has been captured accurately.

Q: Conclusion: Explain the experimental result.
A: Discuss how the experimental results align with the initial hypothesis and what the data indicates about the underlying scientific principles. Evaluate any discrepancies and potential sources of error that could have influenced the outcome. Additionally, suggest further experiments or studies that could expand on the findings or address any unresolved questions.