Water Transport in Plants
Investigate how water is transported within plants, using observations such as coloured water being drawn up through a stem
What a learner can do afterwards
- Describe an investigation using coloured water to track water movement in a plant
- Explain that water travels from roots through the stem to the leaves and flowers
- Draw or label a diagram showing the path of water through a plant
The lesson
Plants need water to grow, but they cannot walk to get a drink. Instead, water travels inside the plant, starting at the roots and moving all the way up to the leaves and flowers.
In one investigation, a white flower's stem is placed into a cup of coloured water. After some time, the white petals slowly turn the same colour as the water. This shows that the water moved up through the stem and into the petals.
You already know a stem holds up a plant's leaves and flowers. Inside that stem are tiny tubes, like thin straws, that carry the water upward.
Water starts at the roots, travels up the stem, and reaches the leaves and flowers.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.