This project will upgrade the teaching of basic botanical science in the following courses: General Botany, Plant Ecology, Plant Physiology, and Independent Research. The endeavor is contingent upon equipping an undergraduate research laboratory where students can gather to plan research, carryout research, and then analyze data. Nine laboratory exercises are planned around the general theme of environment/plant-growth interaction. Three lighted environmental growth chambers, two incubators, and two laminar flow hoods are requested so students can grow plants, culture tissue, and germinate seeds under controlled conditions. This collection of environmental control equipment will challenge students to design simple experiments, identify and control important variables, and then take meaningful measurements of photo-thesis. A drying oven and a digital balance are required for tissue processing. A computer system is requested for data analysis and dissemination of research results. As a result of laboratory research using this equipment, hopefully more of our students will pursue botany, agronomy, or forestry at the graduate level.
