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Inquiry Lab Plant Structures

The document outlines an inquiry lab focused on investigating plant structures and their functions, specifically leaves, roots, and stems, using celery to observe vascular tissues. It includes a detailed procedure for conducting experiments and observations, as well as analysis questions to encourage critical thinking about plant biology. An extension activity is provided for microscopic examination of plant cells, emphasizing the importance of various plant tissues in their survival and functions.

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Radwa Kamal
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4 views

Inquiry Lab Plant Structures

The document outlines an inquiry lab focused on investigating plant structures and their functions, specifically leaves, roots, and stems, using celery to observe vascular tissues. It includes a detailed procedure for conducting experiments and observations, as well as analysis questions to encourage critical thinking about plant biology. An extension activity is provided for microscopic examination of plant cells, emphasizing the importance of various plant tissues in their survival and functions.

Uploaded by

Radwa Kamal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Inquiry Lab: Investigating Plant Structures and Functions

Objectives:
Explore plant structures (leaves, roots, and stems) to understand their functions and tissue types. Observe
vascular tissues using celery. Examine plant cells under a microscope as an extension.

Materials Needed:
- Celery stalks (with leaves, from a supermarket)

- Transparent cups or jars (3-4 per group)

- Food coloring (red or blue)

- Water

- Variety of leaves (e.g., spinach, lettuce, or supermarket herbs)

- Root vegetables (e.g., carrots, radishes, or beets)

- Knife or cutting tools (teacher use only)

- Hand lenses (optional)

- White paper towels

- Rulers

- Microscopes (for extension activity)

- Prepared slides (optional) or blank slides and coverslips (for extension activity)

- Droppers and water (for extension activity)

Procedure:

Part 1: Setting Up the Celery Experiment (Vascular Tissues)


1. Fill three cups with water (about halfway).

2. Add 5-10 drops of food coloring to each cup. Use different colors for variety.

3. Trim the ends of three celery stalks and place one in each cup with the cut end submerged in the colored
water.

4. Predict: Ask students to write a prediction of what will happen to the celery over time and why.

5. Leave the setup undisturbed for 1-2 hours, then observe any changes.
Part 2: Observing Plant Structures (Leaves, Roots, and Stems)
A. Leaves:

1. Provide a variety of leaves (e.g., spinach, lettuce, herbs).

2. Ask students to:

 - Sketch the leaf.


 - Label the blade, veins, and petiole (if present).
 - Describe the texture, size, and visible structures (e.g., veins, cuticle).

B. Roots:

1. Provide root vegetables (e.g., carrots or radishes).

2. Cut a thin slice (teacher assistance) and observe:

 - Sketch the cross-section.


 - Note differences in the outer layer, cortex, and center.

C. Stems:

1. After 1-2 hours, remove celery from colored water.

2. Observe changes in the stalk and leaves.

 - Cut the celery crosswise and examine the vascular bundles.


 - Sketch the arrangement and coloration of vascular tissues.

Part 3: Analysis Questions


- What differences did you observe between the leaf, root, and stem structures? How do these structures
support their functions?

- How did the colored water travel through the celery? What does this tell you about the xylem tissue?

- Compare the cross-section of the root to that of the stem. What similarities and differences did you find?

- What might happen if the plant lacked one of these structures or tissues?
Extension Activity: Microscopic Examination of Plant Cells
Objective: To observe plant cells and tissues under a microscope.

1. (Optional) Prepare slides using thin sections of leaves (e.g., spinach or lettuce).

2. Place the section on a slide, add a drop of water, and cover with a coverslip.

3. Observe under the microscope starting at low magnification.

4. Identify structures such as:

 - Cell walls
 - Chloroplasts
 - Stomata (if visible)

5. Sketch your observations and label the structures.

Wrap-Up:
1. Discuss findings as a class, linking observations to plant structure and function.

2. Emphasize the importance of vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) in transport, dermal tissues in protection,
and ground tissues in storage and support.

3. Assign a short reflective paragraph: How do these structures contribute to the plant’s survival and ability to
perform photosynthesis?

Teacher Notes:
Prepare materials in advance, particularly for the celery experiment.

Ensure safety when using knives or cutting tools.

Adjust the extension activity based on the availability of microscopes and slides.

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