What does a plant need?

Learning goal

Collect observations and use measurements to describe changes in soil moisture.

What you’ll need

• A plant in a container
• A soil moisture sensor and compatible controller
• A notebook or a simple data table

The activity

1. Observe your plant and record the conditions around it. Decide what you want to measure.
2. Check your sensor with dry and damp soil. Record how the readings differ.
3. Take readings at consistent intervals. Add notes about watering and visible changes.
4. Create a chart and discuss patterns. Explain what the sensor can tell you and what it cannot.

Pause and reflect

• How did the readings change after watering?
• What could make your measurements inconsistent?
• What else would you measure to understand plant health?

Take it further

Add a temperature sensor and compare changes in moisture and temperature.