Ecology Symbiosis Lab Activity

Demonstrate How Varying Levels of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Affect Plants

Students will explore the benefits of mutualistic symbiosis by growing rye seeds in three different media, including complete nutrient media and nitrogen deficient media, inoculated with clover. They will plot average heights and weights, calculate the percent differences in growth rates, and observe the changes in general appearance over the course of one month. They will then use their data to determine the effects that nitrogen-fixing bacteria have on the growth of these plants. The kit contains enough materials for 24 students, a teacher’s guide, and student data sheet copymaster.