Materials

=**Materials**=

**Some points to consider:**

 * Gather materials EARLY on so that if you have problems locating an item it won't slow you down
 * Be CONSISTENT with brand, size, expiration date, and any other variable that may affect your experiment
 * Your materials list should reflect enough items to complete MULTIPLE trials
 * Consider COST early on- don't wait until the last minute and get stuck paying a lot of money because you didn't include enough for multiple trials
 * Remember to be EXTREMELY careful when growing mold or bacterial cultures. Students should obtain parental consent and teacher permission to experiment with these items.
 * If you are using human test subjects, you must complete a form
 * If you are testing vertebrates (fish, frogs, mammals) you must have a veterinarian sign off on your final procedure

**With regard to PLANTS:**

 * I strongly recommend using [|Wisconsin Fast Growth Plants]. The seeds are inexpensive, controlled, and grow quickly in minimal conditions.
 * Remember that you will be growing plants indoors during the months of October-December. Plan accordingly for simulating optimal growth conditions indoors.
 * Find a place in the home where they will be undisturbed. The kitchen counter is not a great place for plants that need to grow for several weeks.
 * Do a TEST TRIAL first! That will help you collect baseline data for growth and other measurable qualities. (Hopefully this was done over the summer...)

**Links to order science materials:**

 * [|eNASCO]
 * [|Fisher Scientific]
 * [|multiple listings from sciencebuddies.org]