Scientific Error

Evan always comes up with good questions when we're in the van far from my friend, Google. Last week his question was why do plants drink water instead of milk. I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to introduce the scientific process. And, besides, I didn't really have a good answer (I do now!).

So we set up the experiment....

First, we punched drainage holes in two identical egg cartons and filled them with equal amounts of potting soil.

Then we planted exactly 1/8 cup of grass seed in each egg carton.

We added exactly one half cup water to one egg carton...

... and one half cup milk to the other egg carton.

Then we set the egg cartons together in a bright sunny window, which happens to be by my computer desk. We gave them equal amounts of water and milk again the next day.

It was later that day that things started happening. I'm not talking about sprouting grass seeds. Have you ever lost a sippy cup of milk in your van? I had that happening in my family room. Unfortunately for the rest of the family, I have a very bad sense of smell. I didn't smell it. And Jeff didn't know there was anything but water in those egg cartons. So, they sat there for a few more days baking in the bright sunny window... until I eventually smelled it. And I recognized that smell immediately! b/c I have lost many sippy cups under the seats in my van.

My science experiments NEVER work... though I should have seen this one coming.