Research Plan Template

Name(s): Anna Ussery

Research Plan (to Accompany Form 1A)
A) Rationale
Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your research problem and explain why this research is
important and if applicable, explain any societal impact of your research.
In the areas that alternative methods of farming are needed (Middle East, North Africa, other places that are dry,
desert climates), people do not have the expertise to properly use hydroponics. In these locations there is an
increasing need for an alternative way of farming (due to the climate). Hydroponics is a good method of soil-less
farming; however, it is not being utilized to its fullest extent. Part of the reason for this is because most people do not
know enough about hydroponic farming to use it. To help solve this problem, having pre-measured nutrient packets
would make delivering nutrient to the plant easier for the user, and help the plant grow more efficiently (it lowers the
chance of human error). Having premeasured nutrients would be beneficial for plant growth by maintaining the
intake of nutrients and pH levels for the plant. This is beneficial to users because not only would it help users farm
hydroponically, but it could also improve plant growth.
B) Research Question(s), Hypothesis(es), Engineering Goal(s), Expected
Outcomes.
How is this based on the rationale described above?
Research Question(s): The research question for this experimentation is, how can hydroponic farming be improved
concerning plant growth?
Hypothesis(es): If nutrients are pre-measured, then this would create a controlled water solution that would help
plant growth.
Engineering Goal(s): The engineering goal of this project is to create a water-soluble pre-measured nutrient packet to
create the correct water solution.
Expected Outcomes: : The hydroponic system with the pre-measured nutrients will be more successful than the
hydroponic system with the random measured nutrients. The water solution will be made correctly, keeping the pH
balanced and the nutrient levels ideal. These factors would encourage better plant growth as opposed to the random
measured nutrients in which these will (most likely) not be kept constant.
Procedure(s)
Detail all procedures and experimental design including methods for data collection. Describe only your project. Do
not include work done by mentor or others.
Materials:
- 2 hydroponic kits big enough for two types 12 plants (this includes oxygen pumps)
- 12 seedlings of Buttercrunch lettuce in rock wool
- 12 seedlings of Salanova Green lettuce in rock wool
- Hydroponic plant nutrient powder (MaxiGrow® was used in this experiment)
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- A set of polyvinyl alcohol wraps
- 1 artificial plant light • Thermometer, EC and pH tester
-A pencil and paper to wright daily observations
-Lemon Juice
Procedure: 1. Once all materials are obtained, set up the 2 hydroponic kits (instructions should be included
separately with the kits). Place the kits in a place that is about 21 C and near 3 open power outlets.
2. Fill the kits with tap water leaving 2 1/2 centimeters of space between water level and lid (the end of the rock wool
should be about ½ of a centimeter above the water).
If, during experimentation, the rock wool is getting too dried out and the plants are wilting add more water to the
solution
3. Take seedlings and cut them to fit the holes in the lid of the system, then insert toothpicks through the rock wool to
keep them in place. Make sure the toothpicks are on top of the holes to keep them from falling in.
 Research Plan Template

Name(s): Anna Ussery

4. Place six of the Buttercrunch lettuce on one side of one kit and place the Salanova Green lettuce on the other side
of that kit, then label the kit “pre-measured nutrients.”
5. Place six of the Buttercrunch lettuce on one side of the other kit and place the Salanova Green lettuce on the other
side of that kit, then label the kit “random nutrients.”
6. Making sure the kits are set about 16 centimeters apart, take the artificial plant light and place it about 1 meter
above both kits. Plug the hydroponic kit oxygen pumps into the power outlet as well as the artificial light plug.
7. To make the pre-measure nutrients take the polyvinyl alcohol wrap and the nutrient powder. Place the polyvinyl
alcohol flat on a surface then using the measuring spoons measure out ½ of a teaspoon (this is about 2 grams).
8. Place the measured nutrients into the polyvinyl alcohol wrap and fold until fully closed and secure.
Experimentation begins after that step is completed
1. On day 1 of the experimentation place on nutrient pack into the hydroponic kit that is labeled premeasured
nutrients
2. Place random amount of nutrients in the hydroponic kit that is labeled random nutrients - this can range
anywhere from 1 gram to 4 grams; however, make sure the amount is different every time
3. Every time nutrients is put into the systems, add 2 milliliters of lemon juice in both systems (to balance out
the pH). Stirring the solutions might be necessary if after 5 minutes the nutrients are still not dissolved
4. Do this every other day of testing
5. There will need to be constant monitoring of the systems daily. Each day turn the artificial light on for 12
hours - after twelve hours turn off
6. Everyday check and record the water’s pH, EC, and thermometer. Do so by using the pH and EC tester as well
as the thermometer.
7. Record the average height of the Buttercrunch Lettuce and the average height of the Salanova Green Lettuce
for both systems as a growth indicator for both plants in both systems
8. Keep the oxygen pumps on all the time, and only turn them off when checking pH, EC, and temperature of the
water
9. If the temperature of the water is below 19 degrees Celsius or above 23 degrees Celsius, adjust the
temperature accordingly to maintain an accurate constant temperature (21 degrees Celsius).
10. On paper record the pH, EC, and temperature along with plant appearances and descriptions - do so daily
around the same time of the day
11. Stop testing after 2 weeks is done
12. Record results and findings and compare initial observations to final observations

After the end of two weeks, the plant growth will be evaluated. This will consist of observing the plant appearance (if
it is a healthy green color), and the amount of produce (these parameters concern size: the height and the diameter
of the plant). The two plants will be compared, and whichever plant appears to be healthier and more fruitful will be
determined the more successful plant. This is how the conclusions will be drawn to the determine the success of the
 Research Plan Template

Name(s): Anna Ussery

prototype, the plant will have to have been more successful. This is what the system looks like:

Risk and Safety

Identify any potential risks and safety precautions needed.
The only risk that this project has is handling the plant nutrients. These hydroponic nutrients are not meant to be
consumed because they are specific towards the plants. Safety procedures will consist of not consuming plant
nutrients and washing hands after handling nutrients
Data Analysis
Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results.
Plant growth will be measured (in both systems) after the two weeks of experimentation. Successful plant growth will
be determined through analyzing the plants’ appearance and produce. The diameter and height of the plant will also
be a part of this. For the lettuce plant to be considered “healthy” it needs to be within 5-centimeter centimeters in
height and the diameter should fall between 2-3 centimeters. Since the prototype was designed for easier application
of nutrients to plants the experimentation only tested the success of the plant. Together these to details will
determine whether my hypothesis is correct or not.
IF Applicable
Below are subject-specific guidelines for additional items to be included in your
research plan/project summary as applicable.
Human participants research:
a. Participants: Describe age range, gender, racial/ethnic composition of participants. Identify vulnerable populations
(minors, pregnant women, prisoners, mentally disabled or economically disadvantaged).
b. Recruitment: Where will you find your participants? How will they be invited to participate?
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Name(s): Anna Ussery

c. Methods: What will participants be asked to do? Will you use any surveys, questionnaires or tests? What is the
frequency and length of time involved for each subject?
d. Risk Assessment: What are the risks or potential discomforts (physical, psychological, time involved, social, legal,
etc.) to participants? How will you minimize risks? List any benefits to society or participants.
e. Protection of Privacy: Will identifiable information (e.g., names, telephone numbers, birth dates, email addresses)
be collected? Will data be confidential/anonymous? If anonymous, describe how the data will be collected. If not
anonymous, what procedures are in place for safeguarding confidentiality? Where will data be stored? Who will have
access to the data? What will you do with the data after the study?
f. Informed Consent Process: Describe how you will inform participants about the purpose of the study, what they
will be asked to do, that their participation is voluntary and they have the right to stop at any time.

Vertebrate animal research:

a. Discuss potential ALTERNATIVES to vertebrate animal use and present justification for use of vertebrates.
b. Explain potential impact or contribution of this research.
c. Detail all procedures to be used, including methods used to minimize potential discomfort, distress, pain and injury
to the animals and detailed chemical concentrations and drug dosages.
d. Detail animal numbers, species, strain, sex, age, source, etc., include justification of the numbers planned.
e. Describe housing and oversight of daily care
f. Discuss disposition of the animals at the termination of the study.
Potentially hazardous biological agents research:
a. Give source of the organism and describe BSL assessment process and BSL determination.
b. Detail safety precautions and discuss methods of disposal.

Hazardous chemicals, activities & devices:

• Describe Risk Assessment process, supervision, safety precautions and methods of disposal.