We describe a series of three experiments in which students develop a model system for measuring the LC50 of household substances, using grass seed as the model organism. Students use statistical methods to compare two samples (using chi-square and Student's t-tests), conduct a two-level multifactor experiment to look at multiple factors simultaneously and observe interactions, and make serial dilutions to measure the LC50 over a threefold concentration range. The experimental series was very inexpensive to run and tended to provide very successful LC50 measurements.
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12 February 2021
Using Grass Germination to Measure the Toxicity of Household Substances & Teach Statistical Methods
John Morris,
Margie Winter
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The American Biology Teacher
Vol. 83 • No. 1
January 2021
Vol. 83 • No. 1
January 2021
grass germination
LC50
lethal concentration
STATISTICAL METHODS
toxicity