Topic: Water Uptake
Lesson 1: Root Hair Cells and Their Functions
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Identify root hair cells in diagrams and images. – Understand the function of root hair cells in water and mineral ion uptake. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show a magnified image of a root tip with root hair cells and ask students why plants might need these specialized cells. Main (25 mins): 1. Identify root hair cells in diagrams and explain their structure: – Long, thin projections to penetrate soil. – Large surface area to maximize water and ion absorption. 2. Discuss how water is absorbed by osmosis and mineral ions by active transport. Plenary (10 mins): Students label a diagram of root hair cells and write a brief explanation of their function. |
| Resources | Diagrams and images of root hair cells, labeling worksheets. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Research and describe one way root hair cells adapt to different soil conditions (e.g., dry or nutrient-rich). |
| Assessment | Students correctly identify and label root hair cells and explain their role in discussions and activities. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/21/M/J/20 Q4(b). |
Lesson 2: Pathway of Water Through the Plant
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Outline the pathway taken by water through the plant (root hair cells, root cortex cells, xylem, mesophyll cells). |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show an animation or flowchart of water moving through a plant and ask students to identify the stages. Main (25 mins): 1. Describe the pathway of water uptake step by step: – Root hair cells: Absorb water from soil by osmosis. – Root cortex cells: Transport water to the xylem. – Xylem vessels: Carry water upwards to leaves. – Mesophyll cells: Use water in photosynthesis and release it through transpiration. 2. Use diagrams to show the pathway clearly. Plenary (10 mins): Students draw a flowchart summarizing the pathway of water through the plant. |
| Resources | Diagrams of plant structures, animations of water movement, worksheets for creating flowcharts. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Write a paragraph explaining how water reaches the mesophyll cells for photosynthesis. |
| Assessment | Students create accurate flowcharts and explain the water pathway during discussions. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/22/O/N/19 Q3(a). |
Lesson 3: Investigating the Pathway of Water Using Stains
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | – Investigate and visualize the pathway of water through the above-ground parts of a plant using a stain. |
| Activities | Starter (5 mins): Show a video or image of a plant stem soaked in dye and ask students why the color travels upward. Main (25 mins): 1. Conduct an experiment to investigate water movement using a stain: – Place a cut celery stem or white flower in colored water (e.g., using food dye). – Observe the movement of the dye through the stem and leaves. 2. Discuss how the dye highlights the xylem vessels and the water pathway. 3. Relate the results to the plant’s water transport system. Plenary (10 mins): Students describe their observations and write a short conclusion linking the experiment to water transport. |
| Resources | Celery stems or white flowers, food coloring, beakers, diagrams for labeling, worksheets for experiment notes. |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Homework | Write a report on the experiment, including steps, observations, and conclusions about water movement in plants. |
| Assessment | Students accurately describe their experiment observations and link them to the water transport process. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Biology 0610/31/O/N/19 Q3(c). |
Key Notes for Teachers:
- Use practical experiments to help students visualize water transport through the plant.
- Reinforce the role of root hair cells, xylem, and mesophyll cells in water uptake and transport.
- Highlight the importance of a large surface area in root hair cells for efficient absorption.
Key Notes for Students:
- Water moves through plants in a specific pathway: root hair cells → root cortex → xylem → mesophyll cells.
- Root hair cells absorb water by osmosis, while xylem vessels transport it to the leaves.
- Stains can visually demonstrate the pathway of water through plants.
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