science fair. mike

[BeeTyore]

In article <barbara-110195133859 at ara7.beardsley.swarthmore.edu> barbara at forum.swarthmore.edu (Barbara Sherwood) writes:
>My name is Mike. I am working on a 7yh grade science fair project. My
>problem is: Does caffeine effect the growth of raddish plants?Would you
>give me advice or information on caffeine> Thank you.

	Seems to me like the simplest thing to do is germinate radish
seeds and feed them with either Coke or caffeine-free Coke (or any
other soft drink).  I'd suggest not immersing the seedlings in the
liquid; rather, allow the liquid to be 'wicked' to the plant roots.
You can do this by rolling the seeds in a paper towel so that it forms
a tube with the seed at one end.  Place the 'tail' end in water until
germination, then transfer to Coke/caffeine-free Coke.  Take weights
after so many days and compare them.  I did something similar to this
when testing materials for plant tissue toxicity.
							Melissa