Plants have parts, just like you do. Each part has a special job. Today we will learn about two parts. They are the roots and the stem.
Roots grow down into the soil. You usually cannot see them. Roots have two big jobs. First, they hold the plant in place. They keep it from falling over or blowing away. Second, roots absorb water from the soil. Absorb means to soak up. Roots also soak up nutrients that help the plant grow.
The stem grows up from the roots. The stem also has two big jobs. First, it supports the plant. It holds up the leaves and flowers. Second, the stem is like a straw. It transports water from the roots to the rest of the plant. Transport means to carry or move. A tree trunk is a very big, strong stem!
1. What are the two jobs of roots?
2. What are the two jobs of a stem?
3. What does absorb mean?
4. Why is a stem like a straw? Explain your thinking.
Write a definition or draw a picture for each word.
Read each job. Write it in the correct box.
| Root Jobs | Stem Jobs |
|---|---|
Jobs to sort: Holds the plant in the soil, Holds up the leaves, Soaks up water, Carries water up the plant, Soaks up nutrients, Holds up the flowers
1. Roots grow down into the soil.
2. The stem holds up the leaves and flowers.
3. Roots make food for the plant using sunlight.
4. A tree trunk is a very big stem.
5. Water moves from the roots up through the stem.
6. A plant without roots would stay firmly in place.
Draw roots under the soil
Draw a tall, strong stem
Draw water moving up a stem
| Question | Roots | Stem |
|---|---|---|
| Does it grow up or down? | ||
| Can you usually see it? | ||
| Does it touch the soil? | ||
| Does it hold up leaves? |
Word Bank: roots stem absorb transports soil support
1. The ____________________ hold the plant in place.
2. Roots ____________________ water and nutrients from the soil.
3. The ____________________ holds up the leaves and flowers.
4. The stem ____________________ water from the roots to the leaves.
5. Roots grow down into the ____________________.
6. The stem's job to hold the plant up is called ____________________.
Look at plants in your home or yard. Find these things!
| Find This | Where did you find it? | Describe it |
|---|---|---|
| A thin, bendy stem | ||
| A thick, woody stem (trunk) | ||
| A root you can see | ||
| A vegetable that is a root (like a carrot) |
Coming Wednesday: We will collect real roots and stems from outside. We will study them with a magnifying glass, just like scientists!
Think about it: Where is a good place to find plants near your home?
Write your idea below: