AboutDan Fink Expertise Though my experience is mostly in the fields of electricity, magnetism, and physics, I have a broad science background. My career is in the field of alternative power sources -- solar, wind, water and battery power. But any questions about electricity, magnetism, energy conservation, power generation, electric motors, and even general physics are very welcome--especially from kids. They ask the best questions of all! I pride myself in answering science questions accurately, with ideas for SAFE, easy experiments that kids can perform by themselves--and that let them prove the answers to their own satisfaction. I think science should be fun, and available to everyone, regardless of age.
Experience I have volunteered in our local public schools for 5 years. I currently make presentations at our schools about electricity and magnetism, with a focus on solar, wind, water and other alternative power sources. I try to demonstrate at our schools how easy it is to make electricity, with simple devices using spinning magnets and coils of wire--powered by wind, water, bicycles, gerbils...etc. And of course solar panels! I am the webmaster of Otherpower.com, an alternative energy website. I have lived 10 miles from the nearest power pole for 11 years--I make all my own electricity from scratch with sun, wind and water.
Question I have a science fair at Deer Park Elementary school and I I am doing can plat grow fro a leaf and my teacher says it can but how do I measure it.
Answer Hi Deja -- yes, you can start plants from a leaf, but some plants are easier than others. Some are very difficult. It's also called 'cloning' the plant, and it's usually done with a growing stem, not just a leaf, but both may work. For your project, you'll have to measure the amount of time it takes for the first roots to form. You can do this be carefully removing the leaf or stem from the soil every couple days to check, then gently putting it back. Once the leaf forms roots, it will usually start growing as usual.
One trick is to use rooting hormone, like Rootone or Clonex. Use a VERY sharp knife and cut the stem at an angle, then dip the end of the leaf or stem in it, then put it in moist soil. (Jiffy 7 pellets work great for this, they are available at garden stores). Keep the soil moist, mist the plants every day, and loosely cover them with clear plastic baggies to keep moisture in.
Some suggestions: try different kinds of plants (tomatoes work well, use the stem and leaves from a growing shoot from a mature plant, cut off about 3-4 inches of stem). Peppers, etc. will also work. Try it with and without rooting hormone.
You can find more info on the internet by searching 'cloning plants'. It can be tricky, but you should be able to get a success rate of 50% or so. Your success will be better by using stems with leaves on them, not just leaves.
Again -- your measurement will be how long it takes for the roots to form.
Have fun -- I clone plants exactly this same way here for my garden, for example when I get a particularly fine tomato plant. All the clones will be perfectly identical.
DAN
