Plant Cell Science Project
The following sample plant cell science project experiment is meant to give you ideas on how to perform experiments and arrange your project. Use this project to come up with ideas for your own experiments.
Plant Cell Science Project - Plant Cells and Salt
The purpose of this sample plant cell science project experiment is to determine how different salt concentrations affect the cytoplasm of plant cells.

Background:

Research information on plant cells and plant cell components. Answer the following questions: What is the function of the cell wall? What is the function of the cell membrane? What is the cytoplasm? What are the names and functions of the various structures found within a plant cell? What is plasmolysis?

Hypothesis:

From your research you will predict what will happen when a plant cell is exposed to different salt concentrations.

Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.) * Suggested microscopes:

Science Kit: Boreal Cordless SKope

Scientifics Online: Basic Biological Microscope * Suggested microscope specimen staining kit: Includes slides, cover glasses, dyes, and eye droppers.

Scientifics Online: Specimen Staining Kit * 2 Graduated Cylinders (100 ml or more) * Balance * red onion * tweezers * safety goggles * small knife * table salt * distilled water (grocery store) * paper towels * spoon * paper * pencil
Procedure:

1. Gather materials needed for your plant cell science project experiment. Put on safety goggles.

2. Use the knife to cut the onion into wedge shaped pieces.

3. Use an eye dropper to place a drop of distilled water in the center of a microscope slide.

4. Use the tweezers to peel a thin layer of skin tissue from the thick part of the onion wedge and place it in the center of the microscope slide.

5. Add a drop of distilled water and a drop of stain (iodine or eosin from your specimen staining kit) over the onion tissue on the slide.

6. Carefully lower a cover glass slip at an angle over the stained tissue, allowing air bubbles to escape.

7. Examine the prepared slide under the compound microscope at 100X magnification.

8. Draw and identify observed structures.

9. Prepare a 5% salt solution by adding 5 grams of salt (measure with balance) per 100 ml of distilled water in a graduated cylinder. Gently shake until dissolved. Also prepare a 10% solution by adding 10 grams of salt per 100 ml of distilled water in another graduated cylinder.

10. Use a dropper to add a few drops of the 5% solution to one side of the cover slip of your prepared slide. The 5% solution should