Transport in xylem - planning 9.1

This simple sheet sets out the learning objectives, essential questions and some ideas for assessment for the following activities. It could be useful for planning

Leaf stomata & transpiration (the guard cell's dilemma)

A short video introduction to the roles of cells in a leaf followed by some simple note taking about leaf structure and function. The function of stomata is linked to carbon dioxide absorption and also to the problem of water loss. Finally, some simple questions test knowledge at the end.

Vascular tissues - introduction

Time: 1hr This lesson begins with a hands-on look inside the roots and stems of plants to see that the cells are not all the same and that there are specialised cells helping the plant to transport water and sugars. Not to mention supporting the plant. A short research task is designed to help students find the key details about xylem and phloem which will be needed in the following lessons. Finally, some simple questions tests factual recall.

Transport in xylem

Transpiration and Xerophytes

Experiments on Transpiration

Time: 1h Using potometers is a nice way to explore the relationship between abiotic factors and transpiration rates. This experiment could be adapted and used as an investigation. Much depends on the equipment available and there are some suggestions for simple versions of these experiments in this lab.

Transpiration and Xerophytes

This lesson builds on the adaptations of the plant to enable transpiration. The abiotic factors which affect transpiration rates are introduced and students are asked to explain how each adaptation affects transpiration. Once this is understood students apply their understanding to adaptations of xerophytes in some IB style questions.Why is a good day for drying your washing a difficult day for plants?

Transport in phloem - planning sheet 9.2

A short activity introducing phloem sieve tubes and translocation using a video and a worksheet followed by a data processing question including the identification of phloem in slides and the use of aphid stylets in translocation experiments.

Phloem and translocation

A short activity introducing phloem sieve tubes and translocation using a video and a worksheet followed by a worksheet outlining some experiments to measure translocation direction and rates and some data analysis questions. A quiz includes the identification of phloem in slides of stem and root tissues.

Growth in plants - planning sheet 9.3

This simple sheet sets out the learning objectives, essential questions and some ideas for assessment for the following activities. It could be useful for planning

Meristems and Growth

Time: 1h What is a meristem and how is it that a plant can keep growing for the whole of its life? Micropropagation using the plant meristems as a source of undifferentiated cells has become an important method of producing plants for agriculture and for conservation. This short lesson is in the style of a web-quest and uses a student worksheet to help students structure their notes.

Hormonal control in plants

Time: 1h How do plants respond to light if they don't have eyes nor a brain? The mechanism is quite complex but it is a good illustration of the role of membrane proteins and the fluid nature of the plasma membrane. There are two activities in this lesson, the first is a set of slides with some questions and the second is a very short video clip followed by some more questions. There are model answers provided for both sets of questions.

Reproduction in plants - planning sheet 9.4

This simple sheet sets out the learning objectives, essential questions and some ideas for assessment for the following activities. It could be useful for planning

Reproduction in angiosperms

Seeds, flowering & phytochromes

Seeds are a crucial part of plant reproduction and there are many methods used by plants for seed dispersal. This activity covers both seed structure and dispersal. Flowering in any plants takes place at specific times of the year. The timing of flowering is controlled by phytochromes (P_r & P_fr) which enable plants to detect day length and control gene expression. A set of slides helps to explain this process.

IA planning skills lesson - seed germination experiment

This is going to be a simple activity to plan an experiment.
It's aim is to review of the planning skills needed for the individual investigation, the IA.