Transpiration

Objective: to observe movement of substances through plant stems and flower parts

PART A - Celery

Procedure:

1. Fill a plastic cup about 1/3 full of water. 
2. Place a few drops of food coloring in the water and swirl it to stir it. 
3. Cut the two ends of the celery stalk to remove the scar tissue 
4. Place the celery stalk so that one end is immersed in the water and the other end is in the air. 
5. Set the cup with celery in a safe place overnight. 
6. Look at the vascular bundles in the celery the next day and see if you notice a change. 

Prediction:

• Describe what you think might happen and how it might look the next day.

Observations:

• Include before and after photos.
• Describe what you saw when you looked at it the next day. 

Explanation:

• Explain what happened in terms of transpiration and steps in the movement of substances through the plant parts (does it travel through xylem or phloem?).

PART B - Carnation

Procedure:

1. Fill a plastic cup about 1/2 full of water. 
2. Place a few drops of food coloring in the water and swirl it to stir it. 
3. Look at the vascular bundles in the celery the next day and see if you notice a change. 
4. Cut the stem at an angle such that the carnation will stand up in the container overnight. 
5. Place the carnation in the water. 
6. Set the carnation and container in a safe place overnight. 
7. Predict what might happen to the carnation. 
8. Observe the carnation the next day and see if you notice a change.

Prediction:

• Describe what you think might happen and how it might look the next day.

Observations:

• Include before and after photos.
• Describe what you saw when you looked at it the next day. 

Explanation:

• Explain what happened in terms of transpiration and steps in the movement of substances through the plant parts (does it travel through xylem or phloem?).