This is all about the effect of gravity on the growth of a seed.
Things Required:
16 pinto beans
Glass
Aluminium foil
Paper towels
Record player
Directions:
Place the beans in the glass and fill with water. Allow the beans to soak in the refrigerator overnight. Tear 4 pieces of aluminium foil about one-foot (30 cm) square. Place a paper towel in the centre of each piece of foil. Moisten each paper towel with water. The towels are to be damp, not dripping wet. Place four soaked beans in the centre of each paper towel. Fold the aluminium foil around the towel and close each end of the foil. Allow the foil containing the beans to stand for 3 days.
Evenly space the 4 foil pieces on the turntable of the record player and turn it to 75 rpm. Allow the machine to rotate continuously for 5 days.
This Is What Happens:
The roots will grow outward and any leaves present will turn towards the centre of the turntable.
Science Behind It:
The rotating turntable produces a simulated field of gravity with an outward force that affects the growth of the root and stem. This outward force pulls the plant-growth, chemical auxin, towards the outside of the machine. Stems grow away from auxin build-up while roots grow toward it. More auxin builds up on the outer side of the bean causing the stems to grow inward and the roots outward.
