Science project
Plants and Water
Safety Issues
Young children should not use a knife.
Material Availability
Readily available or easily purchased at the grocery store
Approximate Time Required to Complete the Project
Overnight to collect the data; one day to prepare the science fair display
To learn how plants transport water from their roots to their leaves
- Tall clear glass
- Red food coloring
- Spoon
- Celery stalk
- Knife
Plants need water to grow. Plants transport water from their roots to their leaves through tubes called xylem.
Terms
Xylem: tubes that transport water inside plants
Concepts
Plants need water. Water is transported through the plant through xylem tubes.
Research Questions
How does water get from the roots of a plant to its leaves?
- Gather the necessary materials.
- Fill the glass about halfway with water.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the water and stir.
- Have an adult cut the bottom of the celery stalk straight across leaving the leaves attached to the stalk.
- Place the celery stalk in the glass, cut end first. Set the glass somewhere where it will not be disturbed overnight.
- The next day, record any changes.
Articles
“Plants Vascular Systems” at Www.biology4kids.com/files/plants_xylemphloem.html
“Plants: Essential Processes” at Www.sparknotes.com/biology/plant/essentialprocesses/section1.html
“How Plants Grow” at Science Kids at Www.sciencekids.co.nz
Websites
Biology 4 Kids at Www.biology4kids.com
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