As an honors student in BIO 114, I along with three other students completed a student-faculty research project which was presented the day of the showcase. After seeing multiple people pour their leftover drinks on plants, we began to ponder how we could test if this was harming our plant systems or not.
To start we chose Cucumis Sativus, cucumber plants, as our test subject. This is because the easily germinate and show strong and reliable response to manipulation. Following this, three solutions were chosen as well as a constant water solution to grow/germinate the plants in. The solutions consisted of the average caffeine levels of coffee, decaf, and soda mixed with a distilled water.
After many days, the roots were clipped and measured to determine the results. We concluded that the higher content of caffeine levels a drink has, the stronger chance the liquid has on harming plants.
While presenting at the showcase, many professors, students, and spectators asked how the idea came about. As we explained that the thought came from a simple event each human does on the daily, many showed a great change in expression. Multiple listeners also stated that they could not believe what harm they were causing and claimed they would change their actions.
The showcase proved that individuals listen to results. As a student, this experience grew my skills in a representational way. When put on the spot, I answered questions effectively and efficiently.