Introduction
This term, we embarked upon our first biology experiment. Recently, in class, we have been learning about plant reproduction. Amongst the vast amount of information pertaining to the topic of plant reproduction is germination. Germination is the process of sprouting, whereby seeds or spores sprout or emerge and begin to grow. 1 2 When a seed is germinating, certain factors affect its germination. It was our task to come up with two variables that could influence seed germination and to investigate this. After much contemplation and consideration, I managed to pinprick what factors I would like to investigate. I will thus investigate if altering the light and temperature of the cress seeds’ environment will affect the germination.

Research Question
How do light and temperature affect the germination of a cress seed?

Hypothesis
If cress seeds are placed in a dark environment , then their germination will be negatively affected compared to cress seeds grown in a normal light environment because seeds
If cress seeds are placed in an environment with excessive exposure to light, then their germination will be positively affected compared to cre ss seeds grown in a normal light environment because seeds
If cress seeds are placed in a cold environment, then their germination will be negatively affected compared to cress seeds grown in a normal light environment because seeds
If cress seeds are plac ed in a hot environment, then their germination will be positively affected compared to cress seeds grown in a normal light environment because seeds

Variables
The independent variables in this experiment were the light and the temperature. We put some of the cress seeds under a bright light and others in a dark cupboard. As for the temperature, we put some cress seeds in a stove and others in a fridge.
The dependent variable in this experiment is the germination. The speed and general process will differ depending on the independent variables.
The controlled variables were the type of seeds and the water. Different seeds obviously germinate at different paces and watering the seeds with different liquids may affect the germination, so to ensure a fair test I want to keep the type of seeds the same.