2 × Plastic plant pots (yoghurt size in sets of 10)

20 × Mustard Seeds (or better Cress)

Access to light source (e.g. window sill or lamp)

1 x Cardboard box (Printer paper box)

Protractors

Grease-proof paper (A4 size)

Red/Blue/Green Coloured filters (transparent A4 size)

Soil

Seed Germination: Light isn't necessary for mustard seeds to sprout, but once they do, they rely on sunlight for growth.

Photosynthesis: Mustard plants require ample sunlight for photosynthesis, which drives their growth, leaf expansion, and overall development.

Flowering and Seed Production: Mustard plants are long-day plants, meaning they flower when exposed to longer daylight hours, typically in spring or early summer.

Chlorophyll Development: Inadequate sunlight can cause yellowing leaves (chlorosis) and stunted growth, while proper sunlight ensures lush green leaves.

Diffusing Light – If you want to test how plants respond to filtered or diffused light, grease-proof paper can be placed between the light source and the plants. This mimics cloudy conditions or shade, helping you observe if mustard plants grow differently under softer, indirect light.

Controlling Light Intensity – Wrapping light sources or covering parts of a growth chamber with grease-proof paper reduces the brightness and helps test whether mustard plants grow better under strong or weak light.

Blocking Light in Certain Directions – You can use grease-proof paper along with black paper or cardboard to create shadows or partial shade conditions. This is useful for testing how plants bend or grow toward the uncovered light source (phototropism).

Mustard plants exhibit phototropism, meaning they grow towards a light source.

A protractor helps measure the angle of stem bending in response to light.

You can place the protractor next to the plant and record how much it bends toward the light over time.

This provides quantitative data instead of just visual observations.

Used to create controlled light environments, ensuring plants receive light from specific directions.

Possible uses:

• Single-direction light: Cut a hole on one side of the box to allow light from only one direction.

• Partial light exposure: Cover parts of the plants to test how different sections respond.

• Darkness control: Keep some plants in total darkness as a comparison group.

Ruler – To measure plant height and growth over time.

Marker labels/sticky notes – To label different test groups (e.g., different light colors).

Measuring jug – For precise watering to keep moisture consistent.

Spray bottle – For gentle watering without disturbing soil.

Notebook or data sheet – To record observations systematically.

Camera (optional) – To document growth progress with photos.

Aluminum foil/black paper – To block unwanted light and create controlled environments.

Is there a difference in growth with natural and artificial light?

Do plants react when light comes in through a small space or do they just die?

What colour light do plants react most strongly to?

Watering:

• Ensure plants receive appropriate water levels, as both overwatering and underwatering can harm them.

• Avoid waterlogging roots by ensuring good drainage.

• Proper Light:

• Different plants need different light conditions. Make sure to place plants in locations that provide the right amount of sunlight (direct, indirect, or low light) for their specific needs.

Temperature and Humidity:

• Keep plants in environments with suitable temperatures and humidity levels.

• Avoid placing plants in drafty or extremely hot/cold areas.

Soil Health:

• Use well-draining soil with proper nutrients for plant growth.

• Amend the soil as necessary with compost or fertilizers, but avoid over-fertilizing.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Regularly check plants for pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

• Use organic pest control methods or ensure pesticides are safe for the plants.