Topic Twelve (1.12): REACH - Transpiration

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  • describe the process of transpiration.

Revision Tasks Icon.png Retrieval starter question

  • What is the role of the stomata? (Page 47 will help you with this.)

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will learn why and how plants lose water. Plants have special vessels called xylem and phloem. The constant steady flow of water from the roots, up the xylem and out of the leaves is called transpiration. The phloem transports dissolved sugars and food. The xylem transports water and mineral ions. 

Interact Icon.png Working through your course book

Reactivate activity - optional

Before applying your knowledge to new concepts in this topic, you can check your understanding of previous concepts. If you want to check your understanding and reactivate your knowledge, please complete this reactivate activity: 

  • Read page 46 in your Activate 3 coursebook and answer the Reactive your knowledge questions at the top of page 50.

Apply your knowledge

You are now ready to apply your knowledge and develop your understanding of transpiration.

  • Read pages 50-51 of your Activate 3 coursebook.
  • Now watch the following video about transpiration:

  • You can complete the following practical if you would like to. You will need two stalks of celery, with the leaves attached. Cut the bottom of the stalks with a sharp knife (if you need help with this, make sure that you ask an adult to help you). Put the stalks into half a cup of water with 15-20 drops of food colouring in and leave them overnight (red or blue food colouring works best).

COMPLETE - B3 1.7 Activity: Active transport (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

  • Download and keep the Knowledge organiser poster for this chapter: 

DOWNLOAD & KEEP - B3 Chapter 2 – Cell systems Knowledge organiser (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

  • Also, keep a copy of this glossary of all of the key words for this chapter on cells: 

DOWNLOAD & KEEP - B3 Chapter 2 Glossary (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

Complete Summary questions 1-3 on page 51 of your Activate 3 science coursebook.

Experiments Icon.png Practical 

Complete Practical 1: Enzymes Download Practical 1: Enzymes, which forms part of Assignment One. Any questions you answer or results you note down before you download your assignment can be checked and copied across to your assignment. 

If you didn't studied Year 7 and Year 8 Science with Wolsey Hall then do have a look at Module Zero before starting your practical. Have a look at Tips For Investigations Download Tips For Investigations if you need a help with designing your table.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

Watch the video below, which shows a transpiration experiment. Can you write out the method and summarise the results? 

WATCH - Water uptake in plants (Twig) [Not available on sample course]

Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK - Topic question answers - Module One (Kerboodle)

CHECK - Student Book Answers – B3 Chapter 2 (Kerboodle)

[Not available on sample course]