Task 4c

Materials and tools for a working group:

• plant sample with a root, magnifier, white paper (e.g. 1pc of office paper), plastic spoons, 3dcl plastic cup, encyclopedia (or internet)

In this task, pupils investigate plant roots. The teacher first discuss with pupils about the root function and how it looks like. The task for the pupils will be to observe roots of different plants. In the school yard, the pupils and the teacher dig various plants including the roots (they should be careful not to damage the roots when digging) – preferably different weeds (grass, grass, bud, etc.), taking note of the place, where plant grew. In addition to the plants, pupils take also a soil sample (about 3dcl cup). We suggest to choose plants from different habitats (where there is very dry soil, more fertile soil, steeper soil, etc.).

Pupils will bring out of clay cleaned plants to the class where they focus on the construction of the roots. Each group takes one plant, name it using encyclopedia possibly with the help of a teacher. They write down the title in their worksheet. They observe roots using a magnifying glass. At the same time, the teacher asks the students to draw their attention to the details – what do the roots of the plant look like? Are they equally long and thick? Could you determine which is the main root? What color is it? They are located on the roots of the so-called root hair? Are they on all roots? If so, are they the same everywhere? If not, where are they located and not?

In the second part of the table, pupils describe the soil they brought with the observed plant. The teacher again draws the attention to the details by asking questions, thus encouraging the development of the ability to observe – what did the land look like? What color was it? Has there been many/few stones? Was it dry?

After observing the roots, each group presents its findings. The roots of the observed plants are compared to the soil composition the plant grew in. At the end of the activity, they will conclude their investigation.