We are following the 'cows moo softly' approach to fair testing where one variable changes, one is measured and one remains the same. In terms of our individual experiments, the fertiliser type will change; we're measuring which is the 'better' produce; and the plant type that we're each growing will remain the same.
More about the fertilisers...
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| Our organic fertiliser is Jess' very own home-grown worm juice - yummy! - applied every 14 days to the plants roots and sprinkled on their leaves |
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| The non-organic (or chemical) fertiliser will also be applied every 14 days. We are using Miracle Gro's Max Feed All Purpose fertiliser that we bought from Bunnings. I nice bright cyan blue colour, hmm... |
But how will we measure which plant is 'better'?
We've given this some thought and have decided on the following aspects that we consider the 'better' plant will have:
- A healthier appearance (green leaves, not affected by garden pests)
- Greater height or width (depending on the produce)
- Tastier produce
What else are we considering?
As the outcomes of this fair test will go towards our investigation into whether an understanding of the issues surrounding food sustainability will affect our every day food choices we decided to add another element to our experiment to build a personal connection with our investigation.
To this end, we will note our personal mood levels every day, as a result of engaging in watering and caring for our plants. We will also consider anecdotal evidence that may go towards building this connect. That is, will we engage in any conversations, interactions, considerations, research that we normally wouldn't if we weren't undertaking this inquiry-based learning experience?
