Classroom Teacher Preparation
Life Science 25: Plant Structure and Function
Please use the following to prepare for the next SfS lesson.
Description:
In this lesson, students will learn about the main structures of a flowering plant (root, stem, leaf and flower/fruit) and will
discuss the function of each component. A dissection of common edible plants will allow students to locate relevant plant
parts and make everyday connections with plant anatomy.
Lesson Objectives – SWBAT (“Students Will Be Able To…”):
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4 -5
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Explain the unique function of plant structures, namely root, stem, leaf, and flower**
Observe and sketch common foods in a scientific manner
Explain what actual plant structures we eat in common “fruits” and “vegetables”
Preparation:
This lesson can be an introduction to the topic of plants.
Vocabulary:
Please introduce these terms ahead of the lesson:
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Stem – the main body or stalk of a plant (usually aboveground) that supports leaves and transports water and
nutrients throughout the plant
Root – the part of the plant most often found underground, which absorbs water and nutrients from the soil,
provides structural support, and stores carbohydrates made during photosynthesis for later use
Leaf – a site of photosynthesis
Flower – the reproductive structure of a plant that ultimately can produce seeds if fertilized
These terms will be defined in lesson:
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Vascular system – a system of tubes that moves water and nutrients throughout the plant
Xylem – part of the plant vascular system that moves water and nutrients upwards from the roots
Phloem – part of the plant vascular system that moves mostly sugars from the leaves down to the roots
Taproot – a single large underground root that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil
Fibrous root – a series of small hair-like structures that absorb water and nutrients from the soil
Room Set Up for Activities:
Students will work in partners at their desks. There are no special room needs.
Safety:
There are no safety precautions for this lesson. Students may have allergies to fruits or pollen, but it’s quite unlikely they
will be allergic to Peruvian lily pollen and allergies to fruits are rare. If you know of a strong allergy then your instructor can
remove the pollen from the flower prior to giving it to the student or can select alternative plants to dissect. Please inform
your SfS Instructor if you know of a student allergy so that the instructor can avoid bringing in that particular
sample.
Science from Scientists
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • www.sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2017 Science from Scientists
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Related Modules:
This lesson may be taught as part of a sequence or group of related modules on Plants. Modules include:
Life Science 22: Photosynthesis - Younger students use beads and pipe cleaners to model the process of photosynthesis,
examining the roles of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon.
Life Science 27: Investigating Photosynthesis: Older students examine the effects of light, temperature, and carbon
dioxide on the oxygen levels produced by a photosynthetic leaf.
Life Science 23: Tree Identification: Students use dichotomous keys to identify trees based on their leaf or needle shape
and structure.
For other module sequences and groups, look here: www.sciencefromscientists.org/sequences
Standards Covered:
Please click the following link to our website to review the standards covered by this lesson, listed by state:
http://www.sciencefromscientists.org/standards/
Lessons are matched to both national NGSS and local state standards.
Classroom Post and Activities:
A link to the Follow Up Student activity can be found in the Classroom Post on our website at
sciencefromscientists.org/cohorts. Use the name of your school/cohort and password to log in. Learn to grow your own
new plants from leftover table scraps!
Additional Resources:
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The Great Plant Escape website. Solve a mystery while learning about plants!
http://extension.illinois.edu/gpe/index.cfm
Sci Code - No Such Things as Vegetables (1:14): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkw37p9f9yA
Amoeba Sisters – Plant Structure and Adaptations (8:40): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGpPHrLF-5M
o A bit long for students but simply explained and informative even for adults
Science from Scientists
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • www.sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2017 Science from Scientists
Page 2