The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Sample Experiments

If you love the idea of learning the scien-
tific method through gardening but can’t
think of any viable project ideas, try in-
vestigating one of these questions:
• What’s the relationship between the
pH level of soil and plant growth?

•;What;is;the;effect;of;earthworms;on plant growth?

• Do plant roots always grow downward?

•;Can;plants;grow;without;soil?

•;Does;adding;salt;to;a;plant’s;water affect its health?

•;Do;the;moon;phases;affect;plant germination?

•;Will;frozen;seeds;sprout?

•;Do;living;plants;give;off;moisture?

Children who learn how to develop
experiments based on their questions
can learn just about anything. They’re
liable to become problem solvers who
take initiative and figure things out on
their own instead of always having to
depend on advice from the “experts.”
Gardening is a wonderful way to
combine religious and secular learn-
ing. As children watch the miracles of
plant growth in the garden, they’ll gain
a greater respect for God’s creations.
At the same time, they can learn how
science can help them to understand
the magnificent laws that govern life
on Earth.

Rachel Terry lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband Ben and three children. In addition to teaching her children, she loves reading, writing, and spending time in the outdoors with her family. You can reach her at tolmanterry@gmail.com.