Growing hyacinths

Growing hyacinths

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Student instructions
Write down all you notice about the bulb and how it changes over the next few weeks.
You will need to make your observations once a week and write down the date.
Make your observations on the same day of each week if possible.
 

Date

 What I noticed
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Task administration: 
[Equipment: Hyacinth bulb, special glass growing container (set up any number as required).]

Set up the hyacinth bulb(s) in the glass container(s). Get students to write down their initial observations of the bulb. Observations could be made once a week, depending on how much noticeable change is occurring.

NOTE: The bulb we used was planted on April 27 and the first flower opened on July 26, (a total of 13 weeks). See Marking student responses for our observations.

Level:
2
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Living World
Keywords: 
Life processes, plants, observations
Description of task: 
This task requires a hyacinth bulb to be set up in a glass container. As it develops and grows students make observations.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss how careful observations provide data and the advantages of carrying out observations at regular intervals.
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Making Better Sense: 
Life Cycle
Answers/responses: 
Hyacinth bulb

Method
Put charcoal in the bottom of the container and fill with water to a level that is just under the bulb. Place the bulb in the container and then put this in a dark cupboard.
(Note: Garden centres have instructions for growing these bulbs in glass containers.)

Observations
Although these observations were not always made at regular intervals they should give an idea of the changes in the hyacinth bulb and the time when these occur. They are not intended as a marking guide.

Look for:

  • accuracy of observations;
  • amount of detail;
  • observations of different parts of the bulb;
  • identification of changes that have occurred, e.g. comparing colour of leaves from earlier;
  • use of measurements and numbers.

Date (e.g.,)

Observations
April 27 Bulb set up and placed in a dark cupboard.
May 5 No change. (Take care not to confuse older parts of bulb for new root growth.)
May 12 At least 17 roots have grown, the longest 3 cm. Roots are white in colour. The shoot at the top of the bulb is apparent, it is white in colour, and no higher than surrounding scales.
May 14 Similar number of roots, the longest now 6 cm, shoot 3 mm higher than surrounding scales.
May 18 At least 38 roots, the longest are touching the bottom of the glass container. The shoot is 4 mm higher than surrounding scales.
May 26 At least 11 roots touching/and in charcoal on bottom of container. The shoot is still an off-white colour and 5 mm high, it is broader now at its base.
June 3 Much root development has occurred, at least 50 touch or are in charcoal, this is approximately 80% of the roots. Shoot is now 12 mm high, same colour, base is 16 mm broad.
June 11 Root development continues although less noticeable. The shoot is 15 mm high, colour and height the same as before.
June 21 Root development as before. Shoot 20 mm high, similar off-white colour with light-green towards the base. Base 18 mm wide. The bulb was now placed in a dimly lit area.
July 9 Shoot 26 mm high, base 20 mm wide, shoot is a light green colour.
July 22 Shoot has opened, height before this 35 mm, individual flower buds noticeable, similar colour to leaves, i.e., light green. Flower buds are oval, approximately 15 mm long. There are 20 visible buds. Overall height from scales to top of buds is 54 mm. Leaves have began to spread. The bulb was moved into normal room light as from today.
July 26 Leaves (4) have spread more and are a mid-green colour. Flower buds are also more spread. 4 of the buds are green at their tip and the bottom
2/3 are pink. There is also a slight smell (perfume) coming from the flower buds.