MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE OF TEACHERS

EDUCATION FOR WOMEN

EDU 104.8: UNDERSTANDING THE DISCIPLINE OF NATURAL

SCIENCE

PRATICUM

CONDUCTION OF THREE SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS AND

EVALUATION OF EXPERIENCE

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
Dr. JAYA P J MAHIMA S GOPI
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR NATURAL SCIENCE
MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE OF 2023-2025
TEACHER EDUCATION FOR WOMEN

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 INDEX

SL.NO CONTENT PAGE NO

I. INTRODUCTION 3

II. EXPEIMENT
4-6
1. EXPERIMENT ON EVOLUTION OF
OXYGEN 7-10
2. EXPERIMENT ON HIBISCUS PAPER 11-13
3. EXPERIMENT ON GERMINATION OF
SEED

III.
EVALUATION OF EXPERIENCE 14

IV.
REFERENCE
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 INTRODUCTION

For any experiment, first we imagine a science laboratory with lots of apparatus,
chemicals, lab coat etc. But for some experiments a laboratory is not needed, we
can do it with limited source. ``An experiment is a special type of scientific
investigation that is performed under controlled conditions, usually in laboratory.
Learning about science is not about theory it includes some practical knowledge.
Then only we can understand the concepts and makes the knowledge for the
betterment and for new inventions. "Experiment is a procedure carried out under
controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or
establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law.
As in any another science subject, practical’s have an important role in biology.
The purpose of teaching science is not only to acquire the learner with biological
facts, terms, principles but also to understand the concepts by doing observations,
experiments, analysis etc. self-experience is the powerful weapon to knowledge.
Experience can make one perfect.
An experiment is very specific type of science investigation. In an experiment, the
researcher tests just one condition an see what effect it will have on test subject.
Three experiments are done as a part of practicum to develop practical skill for
better understanding through firsthand experience. These experiments are selected
from SCRT syllabus of standard IX, VII and V.
1. Experiment on evolution of oxygen.
2. Experiment on hibiscus paper.
3. Experiment on germination of seed.

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 EXPERIMENT NO.1

EXPERIMENT ON EVOLUTION OF OXYGEN

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT

To study oxygen is evolved during photosynthesis

ANALYSIS
The experiment was conducted to study that oxygen is evolved during
photosynthesis. The process photosynthesis, that allows plants to use sunlight and
convert it into chemical energy. It plays an important role in sustaining life on earth
by producing oxygen. The aquatic plant commonly found in fresh water Hydrilla
Verticillata (Hydrilla) is taken for conducting the experiment. The plant hydrilla is
completely submerged in a beaker containing water and cover the plant with a
funnel and palace a test tube over it, place this experimental setup to a place where
get sufficient amount of light. We can observe oxygen evolved in the form of
bubbles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials required:
1. A beaker
2. Healthy hydrilla plant
3. Funnel
4. Test tube

TEST TUBE BEAKER

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 FUNNEL HYDRILLA

Method are as follows:

1. I had taken healthy hydrilla plant and rinse under

running water
2. I had filled the beaker with water
3. Hydrilla plant is completely submerged into the
beaker contains water
4. And placed a funnel over the Hydrilla plant
5. Then the funnel was covered with a test tube
6. Then placed the experiment to suitable place
were had sufficient source of light
7. I had observed the experiment for 3-5 minutes

OBSERVATION AND RESULTS

The following results were observed:

When the plant gets exposed to light, small bubbles begin to form. Over time,
bubbles are formed with increased speed and frequency. These bubbles consist of
oxygen, which is the by-product of photosynthesis. The Hydrilla plant undergoing
photosynthesis and releasing oxygen in the presence of effective light.

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CONCLUSION
The following conclusions were drawn out:
By observing the experiment, it is clearly visible the conversion of light energy
in to chemical energy, which results in the formation of oxygen. Hydrilla
experiment provides an engaging and tangible way to understand the process
photosynthesis. The plant needed sunlight so as they can produce oxygen.

REFLECTION
The experiment I was selected “evolution of oxygen in hydrilla” was interesting.
The apparatus needed for the experiment was provided by our faculty Jaya miss.
So, it was very easy conduct the experiment, and hydrilla was simply available.
This experiment needs patients as it having some apparatus and need clear
observation to identify the bubbles formed as a result of photosynthesis. As a
science student I am really enthusiastic to see the results.

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 EXPERIMENT NO.2

EXPERIMENT ON HIBISCUS PAPER

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT

To analyze acid base indicator on hibiscus paper

ANALYSIS

The test was conducted to observe and study the action of acids and bases on
hibiscus paper. Hibiscus paper was made with the hibiscus flower rubbed on a
paper. First, I got a reddish colour on the paper after drying the paper it changed to
dark blue colour. The hibiscus flower contains a pigment called anthocyanin,
which has a colour that is depend on pH value. This can be used instead of litmus
paper. Hibiscus paper shows a colour change from dark blue to red in the presence
of acidic solution, as that of basic solution it changes the colour to blue. For neutral
solution i.e., neither red nor blue paper doesn’t have any colour change. Then
continued the experiment with various solutions. The paper gives different colour
changes according to the nature of the solution taken.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials required:
1. Four to five hibiscus flowers
2. Container
3. White paper

HIBISCUS FLOWER CONTAINER MOTOR AND PESTLE

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Methods as are follows:
1. I had taken four to five hibiscus petals
2. Crushed the petals with motor and pestle
3. Crushed petals are taken from the motor and rubbed to the white paper

4. After drying cut the paper into small pieces.

5. Tested the hibiscus paper with different sample solutions.

6. First, I had taken water in a beaker and dipped hibiscus paper in to it.
7. Repeated the same procedure for each sample solution.
8. Observed the colour change on each sample solution.
9. Then followed the procedure with water, coconut oil, vinegar, soap solution,
sugar solution, salt solution and tamarind water.
10. Colour changes are noted.

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OBSERVATION AND RESULTS:
The following results were observed:
First, I had tested hibiscus paper with water. The colour of the paper does not
change since water is neither acidic nor basic which indicates water is neutral in its
nature. Then I had examined the hibiscus paper with coconut oil. Like water,
coconut oil does not show any colour change it remains neutral. Both these
solutions contain equal concentration of acids and alkaline.

WATER COCONUT OIL VINEGAR

Test with vinegar on hibiscus paper results colour change to red. This indicates the
presence of acid. On acidic medium the paper gets changed to red. So, the acidic
nature of vinegar is confirmed with this experiment.

SUGAR SOLUTION SOAP SOLUTION SALT SOLUTION

Soap solution changed the hibiscus paper into pale blue colour. This colour shows
the presence of alkaline substance. So, soap solution is basic in nature.

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 Sugar solution and common salt solution does not have
any colour change.so we can say that both the solutions
are neutral in nature. Tamarind water shows a slow
colour change from dark blue to red. this indicates the
presence of acids and the solution is acid.

TAMARIND WATER

CONCLUSION
The following conclusions were drawn out:

Hibiscus paper can be used as litmus paper, changing colour in the presence of
acids and bases. The flowers are usually mild acidic or alkaline themselves because
of the presence of pigments. In the above experiment seven samples are tested
against hibiscus paper. Among them water, salt solution, sugar solution is tested as
neutral and vinegar and tamarind solutions are tested as acidic due to colour
change. These solutions changed hibiscus paper into red colour. Only soap solution
shows alkaline nature, as it changed the hibiscus paper into pale blue colour.
REFLECTION
The experiment on hibiscus paper was simple and interesting. It was done with the
things which are easily available in my locality. It is very interesting to do this
experiment with hibiscus. The colour changes that occur to the paper is very
fascinating. The test samples I have taken from my own house and is easily
available. Each sample solution shows different colour changes on hibiscus paper.

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 EXPERIMENT NO.3

EXPERIMENT ON GERMINATION OF SEED

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT

To demonstrate germination of seed

ANALYSIS

This demonstration was conducted to observe and study how a seed develops in to
a plant. Germination is the process of developing seeds into a new plant, under
favorable condition. The different phases of growth can be seen while conducting
the experiment. The seeds green gram (Vigna radiata) and green pea. These seeds
start to germinate within 2-3 days.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MATERIALS REQUIRED

1. Dried seeds of green gram and green peas

2. Cotton cloth
3. Tray

Tray Green gram Green beans

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Methods are as follows:
1. I had soaked 20-25 dry seeds of green gram and green pea in a container
filled with water.
2. The excess water is drained out in the next day.
3. Then I had covered the wet seeds with cotton cloth.
4. Keep the cotton cloth moist for 2-3 days by retaining sufficient amount of
moisture.
5. The seeds were washed in regular intervals to prevent rooting or any other
infection.
6. I had observed growth of seeds in each day.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
The following results were observed:

Germinated green gram Germinated green bean

The seeds gradually swelled up by imbibing water in the first day. The next day
small white structure called radicle develops. Gradually radicle get elongated and
small hair like structure will arose and later it develops as root.
CONCLUSION
I conclude my experiment by drawing the following points:
Seeds germinate in the presence of water. Germination is the process of growth of
plants from seeds. This seed germinated only under favorable condition. The most
important among them is water, germination is not possible without water. The
seeds get water, by imbibition and seeds get swollen a white structure arose,
radicle. Later radicle forms small hair like structures called root hairs. after 5-6
days another structure will arise and it develops into shoot.

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REFLECTION
The experiment on germination of seed is very easy as it contains only the things
taken from house. This experiment develops a curiosity within me and I am much
interested to do this experiment. All the developmental stages of the seed develop
a pleasant feeling and am interested to observe each stage. Green pea takes some
more days to develop into root like structure. But in the case of green gram, it is
less time taking. I had taken extra care to watch the germination process, because
the seeds are not to get damaged.

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EVALUATION OF THE EXPERIENCE AND REFLECTION

Through my work experience I got a new chance to work with some experimental
setup in my house. Rather than doing the experiments I am simply enjoying the
working atmosphere. I learned a lot and found very fascinating to learn about why
I look and the way I do. All three experiments I had selected demands attention,
effort, focus and patience. More than effort patience in each experiments makes
effort less and accurate.
The apparatus for my experiments was provide by our faculty and collection of
samples were done from surrounding expect hydrilla plant. Beaker, test tube and
funnel are the apparatus needed for the experiment. Each experiment conducted
and observation are made with some reference collected form the text itself and
also from online source. Some observations are drawn out in the presence of my
parents and it has developed excitement among them.
It develops scientific temperament and strengthens knowledge beyond theory. In
these three experiments it is clear, how innovative is our nature and creativity of
nature. By conduction these experiments, it created confidence, observation skill
and motivation among me.

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REFERENCE

1. https://eassys.io/hibiscus-acid-base-indicator-experiment
2. https://classnotes123.com/hydrilla-experiment-reveals-the-release-of-
oxygen-during-photosynthesis
3. National council of education research and training

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