Wisconsin Fast Plants

This open-ended experiment utilizes inquiry and cooperative learning. The activities can be used to study the process of science, natural selection, plant breeding, genetics, plant growth, and reproduction. Starting with the standard Wisconsin Fast Plants seed stock, students use ...This open-ended experiment utilizes inquiry and cooperative learning.

The activities can be used to study the process of science, natural selection, plant breeding, genetics, plant growth, and reproduction. Starting with the standard Wisconsin Fast Plants seed stock, students use a quick and simple method to count leaf hairs and select the hairiest plants to produce seed for the next generation. Comparison of the average number and distribution of leaf hairs in both generations enables students to describe the pattern of inheritance for hairiness and to test a hypothesis.

Experiment time varies - typically 55 days to grow and evaluate 2 generations. Enough materials for a class of 32 students.