Scenario #3 - Seed Germination and Radiation
A student investigated the effect of radiation on the germination of bean seeds. He thought that
exposure to radiation would limit the seeds ability to germinate (grow) much like ultraviolet light
causing skin cancer. Three hundred seeds were soaked in water for one hour. They were then divided
into three groups of 100 beans each. One group was placed in a microwave oven on high for three
seconds. Another group was microwaved on high for six seconds. The last group was not microwaved,
The seeds were then planted in three separate flats and given the same amount of water. The flats were
placed in a location with a constant temperature of approximately 27 degrees Celsius. Each day, for
two weeks, the number of seeds that germinated in each group was recorded.
what’s the dependent variable?