This neat experiment demonstrates the independence of plants.
Things Required:
1-gallon (4-litre) jar with a large mouth and lid
Small pot plant
Directions:
Moisten the soil of the plant. Place the entire plant, pot and all, inside the gallon jar. Close the jar with its lid. Place the jar somewhere that receives sunlight for part of the day.
Leave the jar closed for 30 days.
Is What Happens:
Periodically, the drops of water will be seen on the inside of the jar. The plant continues to grow.
Science Behind It:
The water drops come from the moisture in the soil and from the plant leaves. Plants use the sugar in their cells plus oxygen from the air to produce carbon dioxide, water and energy. This is called the respiration reaction. They can use carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll and light energy in their cells to produce sugar, oxygen and energy. This process is called photosynthesis. Notice that the products of the respiration reaction fuel the photosynthesis reaction and vice versa. Plants continue to make their own food. They eventually die in the closed bottle because the nutrients in the soil are used up.