Methods
Dry Phaseolus vulgaris (Navy beans) were purchased from the local grocery store. A handle full of beans were sifted through to remove any beans that were damaged or halved. The beans were then filtered by size to remove beans smaller or larger than 1.5 cm. Removing the abnormal beans lessened the possibilities of variation in plant growth. The remaining beans were soaked in room temperature mineral water for 1 hour to accelerate germination. We soaked over 15 beans with the knowledge that the beans could split again after being soaked. After the soaking process was complete six beans were chosen for planting.
In preparation for planting, two 8 oz. plastic cups were utilized for the control and experimental groups. For adequate drainage the bottom of the each cup was punctured three times. The cups were then filled with approximately 4 oz. of the soil provided to us for this experiment. Three beans were placed in each cup of soil 1 in. deep and 1 in. apart. After planting and gently covering the seeds, the soil was moistened with 1 oz. of distilled water. We printed a 27 cm ruler and taped it to the inside of each cup for accurate measuring. The cups were placed in a window sill with sufficient access to sunlight. The window is fitted with a
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Previous experiments on the subject carried out this procedure once or twice a day. We conducted this process once a day at 9 a.m. to observe how the smallest amount of stress altered the plant’s development. Nitrile gloves were worn during the encounters to reduce any chemical exchange between the hands and the plant surfaces. After measurements were recorded, each plant was watered at the base of the shoot with 0.5 oz. of distilled water. None of the leaves came in contact with the water to ensure that the plant’s responses would only be affected by touch. The plants were then returned to the window