BLiSS+Sim+Related+Labs

=Plant Science Lab Activities Related to the Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLiSS) Research=

Here are several labs that K-12 teachers can adapt and use to complement the data activities outlined in BLiSS research. We ask that teachers please contact us at bliss-sim@cet.edu, if you want access to the teacher version of these lab activities.

Farming in Space Experiment
In this experiment students examine biomass productivities, harvest indices, and energy conversion efficiencies of two varieties of wheat plants and two varieties of fast plants. An analogous experiment is being run aboard the Space Shuttle.

Imbibition: An Absorbing Experience
Imbibition, or water uptake, is the key event that initiates the germination process, transforming the seed from a dry, dormant organism into an actively growing seedling. This experiment explores how much time the imbibition process takes and what effects it has on the rate (speed) and uniformity (simultaneity) of germination. Germination is defined as the period between initial uptake of water to the point of emergence of the radicle through the seed coat. Radish seeds are suggested, but the experiment can be made more complex by using multiple species or multiple varieties of a single species. Student version of Imbition Experiment

Light Intensity Experiment
Students compare the heights and leaf areas of plants grown at different distances from a light source to determine the most efficient growing distance. Light readings are taken to determine the intensity of light reaching the plants.

Measuring Respiratory Volumes Experiment
In this experiment students measure of their respiratory volumes and plot personal respiratory profiles.

[[file:Respiratory Volumes Exp.pdf]]
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