GH_2.2_UNIT_PLAN_Vegetative Structures of Plant_CA

Document Sample
GH_2.2_UNIT_PLAN_Vegetative Structures of Plant_CA Powered By Docstoc

PATHWAY:                   Plant Science and Horticulture
COURSE:                    General Horticulture and Plant Science
UNIT:                      Functions of Vegetative Structures of Plants

        This lesson will give students a basic understanding of plant taxonomy and photosynthetic functioning of plants.

       X    9
       X    10
       X    11
       X    12

Time: 3 hours

Author: Donald Gilman

Additional Author(s):

Students with Disabilities:
        For students with disabilities, the instructor should refer to the student's IEP to be sure that the
        accommodations specified are being provided. Instructors should also familiarize themselves with the
        provisions of Behavior Intervention Plans that may be part of a student's IEP. Frequent consultation with a
        student's special education instructor will be beneficial in providing appropriate differentiation.

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                            Unit 2.2 • Page 1 of 9
GPS Focus Standards:
        AG-GH/PS-2. Students will identify plant parts, growth, and reproduction processes.
        c.       Identify vegetative structures and functions of plant parts (i.e.…leaves, stems, roots).
        f.       Explain the growth processes of plants (i.e.…germination, photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration,
                 osmosis, etc.).
        PS-11. Students will identify plant growth processes and factors that affect plant development and growth.

GPS Academic Standards:

        SB1: Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and
        functions in living cells.

        ELA9RC3: The student acquires new vocabulary in each content area and uses it

National / Local Standards / Industry / ISTE:

Enduring Understandings:

        Students will learn plant structure and taxonomy. Students will learn the difference between simple and
        compound leafs. They will know the role that photosynthesis plays in plant life. Additionally, students will learn
        dicot and monocot plants. They will get a better understanding of what causes plants to grow and develop.

Essential Questions:

        What are the functions of the vegetative parts of plants?
        What are the differences between simple and compound leaves?
        How does photosynthesis affect plants?
        What parts are found on plant stems?
        How are tap roots different from fibrous roots?

Knowledge from this Unit:
        1.        Describe the functions of vegetative plant parts.
        2.        Discuss the differences between simple and compound leaves.
        3.        Explain the process of photosynthesis.
        4.        Describe the parts found on a plant stem.
        5.        Explain the structural differences between dicot and monocot stems.
        6.        Describe the differences between tap root and fibrous root systems.
        7.        Describe the processes of respiration and factors that affect respiration in plants.

Skills from this Unit:

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                              Unit 2.2 • Page 2 of 9
          Students will be able to explain plant taxonomy. The students will also be able to describe photosynthesis and
          respiration. They will be able to name monocot and dicot plants as well as plant parts and functions.

Assessment Method Type: Select one or more of the following. Please consider the type(s) of differentiated instruction
you will be using in the classroom.

               X     Objective assessment - multiple-choice, true- false, etc.
                     _x_ Quizzes/Tests
                     __ Unit test
               X     Group project
               X     Individual project
                     Self-assessment - May include practice quizzes, games, simulations, checklists, etc.
                     __ Self-check rubrics
                     __ Self-check during writing/planning process
                     __ Journal reflections on concepts, personal experiences and impact on one’s life
                     __ Reflect on evaluations of work from teachers, business partners, and competition judges
                     __ Academic prompts
                     __ Practice quizzes/tests
                     Subjective assessment/Informal observations
                     __ Essay tests
                     __ Observe students working with partners
                     __ Observe students role playing
                     __ Peer editing & commentary of products/projects/presentations using rubrics
                     __ Peer editing and/or critiquing
                     Dialogue and Discussion
                     __ Student/teacher conferences
                     __ Partner and small group discussions
                     __ Whole group discussions
                     __ Interaction with/feedback from community members/speakers and business partners
                     Constructed Responses
                     __ Chart good reading/writing/listening/speaking habits
                     __ Application of skills to real-life situations/scenarios

Assessment(s) Title:
          Individual Learning Activity
          Group Learning Activity
          Presentation Learning Activity
Assessment(s) Description/Directions:
Attachments for Assessment(s):
          Lesson Evaluation
          Lesson Evaluation Key

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                              Unit 2.2 • Page 3 of 9
Sequence of Instruction
        1.   Identify the Standards. Standards should be posted in the classroom for each lesson.
        2.   Review Essential Questions.
        3.   Identify and review the unit vocabulary.
        4.   Lesson Introduction Activity:
        5.   Teaching Procedure:

        Introduction and Mental Set
        Several weeks before this lesson secure two potted foliage plants of similar size. Maintain one plant in an
        environment conducive to growing. The second plant should be grown in total darkness, 24 hours/day for
        several weeks. At the time of the lesson, bring both plants before the class and have them analyze the
        health of both plants. Allow time for ample discussion. Inform the class that both plants were grown
        under the same environmental conditions except for one variable. Let them narrow in on the cause.
        Answer: one plant was denied any light. As you can see, light is critical to plant growth.


        1.       What are the functions of leaves?
                 Display and discuss handout “Functions of Leaves”.
                  Capture light.
                  Exchange gases.
                  Provide a site for photosynthesis.
                  Some leaves store food and water.
                  Some form new plants and provide support.

        2.       What is photosynthesis?
                 Display and discuss handout “Photosynthesis”.
                 It is a process by which plants combine water and carbon dioxide in the presence of chlorophyll
                 and sunlight and produce carbohydrates and release oxygen. The chemical equation looks like

                 Light + 6CO2 + 12 H20 -sunlight--> C6H12O6 +6O 2 + 6H2O

        3.       Why is photosynthesis important?
                 Light is the most important source of energy for living things. Photosynthesis converts light into
                 nutrients that can be used by plants and animals.

        4.       There are two parts of photosynthesis--the light and dark reactions.
                 The light reactions produce chemical energy from light.
                 The dark reactions convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.

        5.       Leaves also function in gas exchange process. O2, CO2, and H20 are exchanged through small
                 pores in the leaves called stomata.
                 Each stoma is surrounded by two guard cells. During the day the guard cells open, allowing
                 water to transpire through the leaves, and other gases to diffuse into the leaf. The guard cells
                 close at night on most species. The guard cells also close during dry conditions to prevent water

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                     Unit 2.2 • Page 4 of 9
        6. There is another process, in addition to photosynthesis, that is essential to the growth and
        development of plants. This process is known as respiration.
        Plants, like animals, respire 24 hours a day. In this process they consume oxygen and give off carbon
        dioxide, just like animals.

        Roots, stems, and leaves all use (breathe in) oxygen as they grow and breathe out carbon dioxide.

        Poor soil drainage causes roots to suffer most from short oxygen supply and possible plant death.

        True or False: Plants produce more oxygen through photosynthesis than they consume through
        respiration and growth processes. (True)

        C6H12O6 + 6O2 = 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
        Respiration is a process in which energy is generated in cells. In respiration, glucose (a type of sugar) and
        oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide, water and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Respiration takes
        place in the mitochondrion of both plant and animal cells.

        7.       What are the external parts of the leaf, and what are their functions? Display and discuss
                 handout “External Parts of Leaves”. Distribute various leaves for students to examine.

                     Petiole: The stalk of the leaf that attaches it to the stem.
                     Midrib: The main vein of vascular tissue.
                     Blade: The photosynthetic site of the leaf.

        8.       What are the internal parts of the leaf, and what are their functions? Use handout “Internal
                 Structure”. Refer to the Science of Agriculture: A Biological Approach reference book. Have
                 students draw the cross section of a leaf.
                 A.      Cuticle: A layer of fatty substances on the outside of the leaf that prevents water from
                 B.      Epidermis (lower and upper): A layer of transparent cells that permit the passage of light
                         to the photosynthetic cells.
                 C.      Parenchyma cells: The photosynthetic cells of the leaf.
                 D.      Mesophyll: The middle of the leaf (composed of parenchyma cells). It is divided into
                         palisade Mesophyll and spongy Mesophyll.
                 E.      Palisade Mesophyll: Column shaped cells near the surface where most of the
                         photosynthesis takes place.
                 F.      Spongy Mesophyll: Irregular shaped cells that underlie the palisade cells.
                 G.      Veins: Vascular tissue which brings water from the roots and carries away the products
                         of photosynthesis.
                 H.      Stoma: Function in transpiration and gas exchange.
                 I.      Guard Cells: Regulate the opening and closing of the stomata.

        9.       What are the stomata and what are their functions?
                 A.     Stomata are openings with the epidermis of the leaf.
                 B.     Functions
                         To allow air into the leaf
                         To allow water and oxygen out of the leaf

                 C.       The openings of the stomata are controlled by guard cells which close at night. The
                          guard cells also stay closed during drought times.

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                       Unit 2.2 • Page 5 of 9
                D.      Laboratory: Do the transpiration exercises in the Activity Manual Introduction to
                        Horticulture and Activity Manual Introduction to Plant and Soil Science and Technology.
                        Do only the leaf sections.

        10.     Display a monocot and a dicot plant in class.
                A. Have the students list the recognizable differences in the root structures.
                B. One has a fibrous root system and the other has a taproot.
                C. Have the students name all the plant roots that are used for food and list them on the

        11.     What are the functions of roots?
                A. To anchor the plant in the soil.
                B. Absorb water and nutrients.
                C. Some roots store reserves for future use( e.g. sweet potato)
                D. Propagation

        12.     What are the advantages and disadvantages of both taproots and fibrous roots?
                Display and discuss handout Root Types”.
                A. Taproots
                      1.     Advantages
                          Penetrate deeper into the soil
                          Obtain water from lower levels
                          Anchor the plant
                      2.     Disadvantages
                          Difficult to remove/harvest plants
                          Do not stabilize the soil well
                B. Fibrous Roots
                      1.     Advantages
                          Shallower, thus respond more quickly to fertilization/irrigation
                          Stabilize the soil better
                      2.     Disadvantages
                          Less drought resistant
                          Tend to get exposed during cultivation

        13.     What are the different types of roots?
                A. Primary roots grow down into the soil and may branch repeatedly into lateral roots. The
                    taproot is a primary root.
                B. Lateral or secondary roots grow horizontally away from the primary root. Some lateral
                    roots grow downward.
                C. Adventitious roots come from stems or leaves instead of another root. The prop roots of
                    corn and grapes are adventitious roots which help to support the plant.
                D. Fibrous roots are root structures in which the primary and lateral roots develop equally so
                    that there is not a definite taproots.
                E.  Storage roots are structures such as those of carrots and sweet potatoes which are used for
                    food storage.

        14.     What are roots composed of?
                A. Root cap: covers the apical meristem and protects it from damage.
                B. Apical meristem: region of active cell division; the growing point of the plant.
                C. Region of elongation: cells here grow longitudinally which causes the root to grow longer.
                D. Region of differentiation: the region of mature primary tissues which is an area of active
                    water and mineral absorption.

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                  Unit 2.2 • Page 6 of 9
                E.   Xylem: transports water and nutrients upward.
                F.   Phloem: transports carbohydrates and sugars downward.
                G.   Root hairs: increase surface area and aid in absorption.

        15.     Laboratory Activity
                Experiments and materials for plant study. Roots. Pages 41 - 42 of 700 Science Experiments for

        16.     Laboratory Activity
                1. Bring in or have the students bring in plant roots used for food. Prepare a veggie tray of
                     roots and share with the class.
                2. Use a Peace Lily to show the fibrous root system of the plant.
                     A.      Wash all of the media off of the root system and place the plant in a glass vase or
                     B.      Show the students the parts of the roots and other systems and that the plant will
                             grow in the water(hydroponics).
                     C.      Place a Beta fish in the vase with the plants= roots and show that the fish can live
                             with the roots and vise versa.(An interest approach mostly!)
        17.     Do the attached exercise on monocot and dicot stems.
                A. Discuss the differences of each. Also, discuss the differences in woody and herbaceous
                B. Woody plants have heavily lignified cells, therefore, they have characteristics of wood,
                     whereas the cells in herbaceous plants have thinner walls giving them herb like

        18.     What is the function of the stem?
                          Water and mineral transport by capillary action and cohesion to the leaves.
                          Transport food to the roots.
                          Gas exchange.
                          Produce and support new leaves, branches, and flowers

        19.     What are the internal parts of the stem?
                        Phloem
                        Xylem
                        Cambium
                        Pith
                        Ray
                        Cortex

        20.     What are their functions?
                        Phloem: transports sugars and carbohydrates to roots.
                        Xylem: transports water and nutrients from roots to rest of tree.
                        Cambium: lateral meristem. It is the growing part of the stem.
                        Pith: Occupies the central area of the stem.
                        Cortex: Composed of several layers of thick-walled cells, and an area of thin-walled
                            parenchyma cells interior to the thick-walled.

        21.     How do monocots and dicots internal structure differ?

        22.     What are the external parts of the stem?
                        Buds: axillary and terminal
                        Nodes

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                    Unit 2.2 • Page 7 of 9
                            Internodes

        23.     Some plants have developed modified stems. Have the students name as many as they can.
                Briefly discuss their functions. Display and discuss handout “Modified Stems”.
                           Rhizomes: horizontal underground stems(e.g. Bermuda grass)
                           Stolons: horizontal above ground stems( e.g. strawberries)
                           Tubers: greatly enlarged tip of an underground stem(e.g. potato)
                           Bulbs: bud-like structure consisting of a small stem with closely crowded fleshy
                              leaves or leaf bases(e.g. onion)
                           Corms: fleshy underground stems with few nodes( e.g. gladiolus)

        24.     Laboratory
                Provide each student with a stem (leaves removed). Have the students draw a stem from a
                sample stem. Then the students should label the various parts of the stem and state their

               Review the important points of:
                     functions of leaves
                     definition of photosynthesis
                     definition and process of respiration
                     external parts of a leaf and their functions
                     internal parts of a leaf and their functions
                     functions of roots.
                     types of roots.
                     composition of roots.
                     distinction between taproots, lateral roots, adventitious roots, and fibrous roots.
               Review the important parts of stem function and their use

Attachments for Learning Experiences:
        External Leaf Parts
        Internal Structure
        Modified Stems
        Functions of Leaves
        Root Types
        Cell Energy Study Guide
        Laboratory Activity
        Group Learning Activity
        Individual Learning Activity
        Presentation Learning Activity

Notes & Reflections:

        CULMINATING PERFORMANCE TASK                                                              ( Optional)

Culminating Unit Performance Task Title:

Culminating Unit Performance Task Description/Directions/Differentiated Instruction:

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                  Unit 2.2 • Page 8 of 9
Attachments for Culminating Performance Task:

Web Resources:
        Master Garden Series-External Plant Parts

        Horticulture handbook


Materials & Equipment:

What 21st Century Technology was used in this unit?
       X   Slide Show Software                  Graphing Software             Audio File(s)
           Interactive Whiteboard               Calculator                    Graphic Organizer
           Student Response System              Desktop Publishing        X   Image File(s)
           Web Design Software                  Blog                          Video
           Animation Software                   Wiki                          Electronic Game or Puzzle Maker
           Email                           X    Website

Georgia CTAE Resource Network Unit Plan Resource                                      Unit 2.2 • Page 9 of 9

Shared By: