Download Plant Functions Lesson Plan

Middle School Curriculum
Plant Science
Lesson 2: Functions of Plant Systems
Student Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
Discuss the function of plant leaves.
Discuss the function of plant stems.
Discuss the function of plant roots.
Discuss the function of plant flowers.
References
Cooper, Elmer L. Agriscience: Fundamentals and Applications. Albany, NY: Delmar
Publishers, Inc.
Georgia Agriculture Education http://aged.ces.uga.edu
Herren, Ray V. Exploring Agriscience. Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers, Inc.
Ketter, Catherine. T. Exploring Agriscience. Lab Manual. Albany, NY: Delmar
Publishers, Inc.
Lee, Jasper S. Agriscience Discovery. Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers, Inc.
Morgan, Elizabeth M. Agriscience Explorations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall
Interstate.
Teaching Procedure
Introduction and Mental Set
Ask students to imagine what the world would be like without plants. This lesson examines the role of plants in the environment and introduces students to the main parts of
plants and their functions.
Discuss the importance of plants in the life chain. Emphasize that life on earth could not
exist without plants and that plants are directly or indirectly a source of food for all
humans.
Key Points/Guide Questions
1. Question: What are the functions of the leaves?
Answer: The leaves make food for the plant through the process of photosynthesis.
During this process, the leaves absorb light energy from the sun and carbon dioxide
from the air. During photosynthesis, oxygen is released into the air through the
leaves. The leaves also store the food that is created for the plant.
2. Question: What are the functions of the stem?
Answer: It transports water and nutrients to the leaves.
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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It carries the food produced by the leaves to other parts of the plant. It supports the
plant's leaves and flowers.
3. Question:
Answer:
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What are the functions of the roots?
4. Question:
Answer:
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What are the functions of the flowers?
They anchor the plant and hold it up.
They absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
They store food for longer periods of time so the plant can survive when
it loses its leaves.
They attract insects for pollination.
They produce seeds and fruit.
They are the site of plant reproduction.
Activities
To illustrate the function of the stem, place several stalks of celery in a cup of redcolored water for 24 hours. Remove the stalks and observe how far the red water has
traveled. Cut a cross-section of the stalk to inspect the location of the colored water.
Bring in samples of various flowers and their seeds or fruit, and ask students to
match them. Identify each for the students and have them begin learning each.
Other Activities
Bring in samples of different types of roots and discuss how they differ.
To illustrate how leaves give off water in the transpiration process, cover a plant with
a clear plastic wrapper for several days.
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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ACADEMIC CONNECTIONS
Science
Middle School Connections in Agriculture Education
Science QCC: Grade 6-1, 16
7-1
8-1
Name____________________________________ Period____ Date______________
Read the definitions then label the diagram below.
Definitions
anther - the anther is the tip of a flower's stamen ( the male reproductive organs of the plant) - it
contains the pollen.
filament - the filament is the part of the flower that holds the anther (and part of the stamen, the
male reproductive organs of the plant).
ovary - the ovary is a female reproductive organ in plants that produces ovules. It is at the base of
the pistil.
petal - a petal is one of the leafy structures that comprise a flower. Petals are often brightly-colored
and have many different shapes.
sepal - the sepals are small leaves located directly under a flower - they are the outermost part of a
flower.
stem (also called the peduncle) - the stem supports the plant.
stigma - the stigma is uppermost part of the pistil, the female reproductive tissue of a flower. The
stigma receives the male pollen grains during fertilization, when they travel through the style to the
ovary.
style - the style is part of the pistil, the female reproductive tissue of a flower. The style is a long
tube on top of the ovary, and below the stigma.
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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Based on the definitions above, you should be able to complete the diagram below. Two parts of
the flower have already been labeled for you. Be sure to read the definitions carefully. Each
definition provides a clue on how to label your flower diagram!
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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Answer Key
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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ACADEMIC CONNECTIONS
Language Arts
Middle School Connections in Agriculture Education
Name____________________________________ Period____ Date______________
Describe the world around you in eight sentences, without the influence of plants!
1.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
5.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
6.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
7.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
8.____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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6GA 2.1.2
Quiz Answers/Overhead
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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6GA 2.1.3
Plant Identification Quiz
Directions: Write the name of each part of the plant on the line beside it.
Directions: Write the name of each part of the plant on the line beside it.
Georgia Middle School Agricultural Education Curriculum, Unit 9 Lesson 2
Updated May 2004
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