Demonstrating Phototropism In Plants | Phototropism Science Project

Phototropism in plants refers to the response of plants to an external stimulus of light. We have learned that the leaves of plants need sunlight for photosynthesis. So they always turn towards light. Plants grow in the direction of sunlight, which means that they are positively phototropic. But when we keep a plant in the open, we can’t ascertain whether they are actually growing according to the direction of sunlight.

We will do a project to see this happening in the most definable way. You will need an empty shoe box, a sprouting potato, and a window which receives sunlight. Above all, you need the patience to wait for a few days, before you get to see the demonstration of nature’s laws before your eyes.

Project question

Can we prove that plant shoots always move in the direction of sunlight?

What we need

Sprouting potato – 1
Flower pot filled with soil – 1
Shoe box (a big cardboard box) – 1
Cardboard pieces (small) – 2
Window with sufficient sunlight

Procedure

1. Plant the sprouting potato in the pot. Make sure that the soil is sufficiently moist.
2. Cut a round hole in one side of the shoe box.
3. Place the pot with potato in the opposite side of the box. It should be kept far away from the hole.
4. Stick the small cardboard pieces inside the box so as to create partitions between the pot and the hole.
5. While sticking the pieces, make sure to leave some gap from one side.
6. Close the box and keep it near a window that receives sufficient sunlight.
7. Wait for 3 to 4 days, till you see the shoot peeping out from the hole.
8. Open the box and examine. You will find that the shoot has crossed the maze of partitions, and found the source of light. As the soil was moist, the plant received water. So it did not die. But the leaves will be pale and white due to the absence of sufficient sunlight.

Project Data Chart

Did this project help you to understand the concept of phototropism in plants? For more projects on plants, visit our Projects section.

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