Growing Basil with Aquaponics: Karen's Science Fair Project

What is Karen's Science Fair project about?

Karen is excited about her Science Fair project on using different types of fertilizers on the herb basil using aquaponics. What important step has she overlooked?

A) Gathering materials

B) Making observations

C) Deciding on a hypothesis

D) Designing an experiment to test her hypothesis

Answer

Final answer: Karen has overlooked designing an experiment to test her hypothesis.

Karen has embarked on a fascinating Science Fair project that involves exploring the use of different types of fertilizers on basil plants grown using aquaponics. This innovative method of growing plants utilizes water instead of soil, along with added fertilizers, to support the plants' nutritional needs.

Throughout her project, Karen has taken significant steps such as gathering materials, making observations, and selecting a hypothesis to investigate. However, she has overlooked a crucial aspect of the scientific method: designing an experiment to test her hypothesis.

Designing an experiment is imperative as it allows for a controlled and systematic approach to evaluating the validity of the hypothesis. By setting up experimental and control groups, Karen can isolate the impact of the different fertilizers on basil plant growth within the aquaponics system.

For instance, if Karen hypothesizes that a specific fertilizer will promote taller basil growth, she must structure an experiment that includes applying the fertilizer to an experimental group while maintaining a control group that does not receive the fertilizer. This comparison will help determine if the fertilizer indeed influences the basil's growth.

In addition to establishing the experimental setup, Karen should consider other variables such as light, temperature, and water levels to ensure a fair test. By diligently designing her experiment, Karen can enhance the credibility and reliability of her Science Fair project results.