In this inquiry activity, students use the genetic diversity of common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from their local garden center to investigate this species’ resilience to salt stress and viral infection. Students use a number of simple to sophisticated measures of plant performance to gauge the impact of the stressors on plant growth and development. Students identify which cultivars may be useful in increasing future food security.

A simple sensory assessment of apples provides an enjoyable and stimulating introduction to topics in genetics and the related areas of agriculture, selective breeding, and plant science.