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Year 3 - Science

The function of roots

What plants do and what they need

Unit Summary

This unit explores the functions of different parts of flowering plants, including roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. It investigates plant requirements for growth and the role of flowers in pollination, seed formation, and dispersal. Emphasis is on practical enquiries, and data presentation.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe why plants have roots.

Key Notes

  • The roots of a plant usually sit below the surface of the soil.
  • Roots provide support for the plant by holding the plant upright, especially in windy conditions.
  • Roots absorb water and nutrients from soil to provide the plant with what it needs to grow and stay healthy.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • roots: The part of a plant that anchors it in the soil is called the root. Roots take in water and nutrients for the plant.
  • function: The task that something has is its function.
  • absorb: To absorb is to soak something up.
  • nutrient: A nutrient is any substance that plants or animals need in order to live or grow.
  • soil: Soil is ground up rock mixed up with plant and animal remains.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that roots are like drinking straws that suck up water through their tips, rather than absorbing it across their whole length.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The roots of a plant usually sit below the surface of the soil. Roots provide support for the plant by holding the plant upright, especially in windy conditions.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'roots'

The part of a plant that anchors it in the soil is called the root. Roots take in water and nutrients for the plant. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that roots are like drinking straws that suck up water through their tips, rather than absorbing it across their whole length. Correction: Share the model used in the lesson of a paper towel absorbing water to help pupils understand that water is absorbed, not sucked up, by the roots. Pupils could experience this for themselves in the classroom to help them understand and remember.

More Lessons In This Unit

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