Lesson Idea | Water Transport in Plants

Summary

Grade Range: 2nd
Group Size: Individual
Active Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Area of Science: Plant Biology
Key Concepts: Plants' basic needs, water transport
Credits: Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies

Overview

Your students might know that plants need water to survive. But how does a plant "drink" and get water from the soil all the way up to its' leaves? In this lesson plan, students will observe how plants (flowers and celery) suck up dye-stained water, which makes the petals and leaves change color! This allows students to visualize the process of how water moves through a plant.

Learning Objectives

• Name the basic needs of a plant
• Conduct an investigation to find out how water moves through a plant

NGSS Alignment

This lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
• 2-LS2-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.

Materials

Materials for each student:
• White flower such as carnations
• Celery stalk with leaves attached
• Cups that can hold the flower and the celery stalk
• Water
• Paper
• Colored pencils

Materials that can be shared:
• Teaspoons
• Food coloring (red or blue, 10 drops per student)
• Timer
• Camera (optional)

Materials for teacher:
• Sharp knife
• Measuring Cup

For further information about the lesson idea, please visit Science Buddies website.