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Root Movement

Microscopy image of root growth

Topic

  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Structure & Function
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Plant Anatomy & Physiology

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Phenomenal Images

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IB
Saved By
21 Users
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View in Spanish

Description

This activity explores images of plant cells and structures, which serve as phenomena for learning about how plants respond to stimuli.

Plants, like animals, respond to stimuli in their environments. These images show the responses of plant roots and stomata to several common stimuli. The roots are particularly affected by gravity and water levels. These stimuli affect the timing of cell division and root elongation, which helps roots grow down into the soil. The stomata, pores on the surfaces of leaves, are affected by water and carbon dioxide levels. Plants regulate the opening and closing of their stomata to control carbon dioxide intake and water loss.

The “Educator Materials” document includes background information and implementation suggestions for using the images as phenomena. The “Student Handout” includes the images and background information. The “Root Movement animation” is a short time-lapse video that follows the growing root tip from the “Root Movement” image.

“Root Movement” image by Daniel von Wangenheim, Institute of Science and Technology, Austria

“Super Stoma” image by Dominique Bergmann, Stanford University

Student Learning Targets

  • Examine images of phenomena, make observations, and ask questions.

  • Collaborate with peers on ideas, ask questions that require higher levels of reasoning, and develop deeper understanding of concepts.

  • Describe how plants respond to environmental stimuli.

Estimated Time

Within one 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

carbon dioxide (CO2), feedback mechanism, gravity, homeostasis, microscopy, photosynthesis, stimulus, tropism, water

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria. Spanish files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 06.05.17
Date Updated 09.03.20

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-3; SEP1

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-3.A, ENE-3.D;

IB Biology (2016)

1.6, 2.9, 8.3, 9.3

Common Core (2010)

ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2; DP1

Materials

Root Movement image (JPG) 710 KB
Super Stoma image (JPG) 461 KB
Root Movement animation 2 MB
Educator Materials (PDF) 254 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 816 KB
Educator Materials - Español (PDF) 357 KB
Student Handout - Español (PDF) 1 MB

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