Starter quiz
This part of the plant is called a ______.- 'root' ✓
- The roots of a plant usually grow …
- up the stem.
- beneath the soil. ✓
- around the leaves.
- out of the flowers.
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- Which of these pictures does not show a plant’s roots.
A
B
C
D ✓
- What does it mean to absorb something?
- to soak it up ✓
- to release it
- to dry it out
- to see through it
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The functions of roots on a plant are anchoring it in the soil and …- making food for the plant.
- absorbing water and nutrients. ✓
- attracting animals towards the plant.
- transporting water and nutrients to the leaves.
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- To observe something means to …
- make a prediction about what might happen to it.
- explain why it has changed.
- look at it closely using our senses. ✓
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Exit quiz
What do roots absorb that helps the plant to grow and stay healthy?- water ✓
- nutrients ✓
- soil
- sunlight
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Roots provide support for the plant by …- holding its flowers and leaves above the ground.
- sucking up soil to make it strong.
- anchoring it in the soil and holding it upright. ✓
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What is likely to happen to a plant without roots in very windy weather?- It will grow taller.
- It will fall down. ✓
- It will have more flowers.
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- Why do plants with their roots removed struggle to survive?
- Because they can’t get the right amount of sunlight.
- Because they can’t eat the soil that they need to stay healthy.
- Because they can’t absorb the water and nutrients they need from the soil. ✓
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- We can ______ a plant with its roots removed over time, to find out more about roots and their function.
- 'observe' ✓
Andeep is carrying out an observation over time investigation to see what will happen to plants that have had their roots removed. How often should he make observations?- Observe the plant every 5 minutes for an hour.
- Observe the plant every hour for a day.
- Observe the plant every three days for a fortnight. ✓
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Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Roots anchor the plant in soil and provide it with the support it needs.
- Roots absorb water and nutrients from soil to provide the plant with what it needs to grow and stay healthy.
- To investigate why plants have roots, a plant with roots removed can be observed over time.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that plants can support themselves and stay upright without roots as the stem provides support.
The task carried out in Learning Cycle 1 will demonstrate to pupils that plants need roots anchoring them in the soil in order to stay upright.
Keywords
Root - The part of a plant that anchors it in the soil is called the root. Roots take in water and nutrients for the plant.
Anchor - Roots help to anchor the plant by placing it firmly in the soil.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Absorb - To absorb is to soak something up.
Nutrients - A nutrient is any substance that plants or animals need in order to live or grow.
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