lesson
Water travels inside
1 · Learn
Water moves through tiny tubes in a plant's stem to other parts. We cannot usually see clear water travelling inside an intact stem.
Coloured water can help show a pathway in a cut white flower or celery stalk. We observe where the colour appears. This model shows transport; the colour is not the plant making food.
2 · Worked example
An adult places a cut white flower in coloured water. Later, some petals show colour. This supports the idea that water moved through the stem to the flower.
3 · Your turn
What does colour appearing in the petals suggest? Does it show the plant was eating the colouring?
Check your answer
It suggests coloured water travelled through the stem. It does not show the plant was eating the colouring.
4 · Apply your learning
Observe an adult's demonstration or dated photographs. Record the start and later appearance without inventing a result.
Adult guidance and safety
Adult cuts stems and handles colouring. Do not taste the water or plant. Protect surfaces, check allergies and wash hands.
Practice this lesson
Lesson resources
Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.