LIGHTS OUT

PURPOSE : To determine the effect of sunlight on plant survival.

MATERIALS : House plant 

                          Black construction paper

                          Scissors

                          Tape (cellophane)

 PROCEDURE :

• Cut two piece of black construction paper large enough to civer one leaf on the plant.
• Sandwich the leaf between the two paper pieces.
• Tape the paper together. It is important that the leaf not receive any sunlight.
• Wait 7 days.
• Uncover the leaf and observe its color.

RESULTS : The leaf is much paler than the other leaves on the plant.

WHY ? A green chemical called chlorophyll gives leaves their green color. In the absence of sunlight the green pigment is used up and not replenished in the leaf resulting in a light colored leaf. Since chlorophyll is necessary for plant survival the leaf will die without sunlight.