Functions of Plant Stems: Celery Experiment

In search of an interactive, hands-on activity to show the function of plant stems in action?

Look no further!

This Functions of Plant Stems: Celery Experiment Lab Activity is an engaging resource that allows students to physically observe the function of plant stems - using a common vegetable they eat, food coloring, and 24 hours!

This resource consists of step-by-step instructions for students to complete the lab activity individually or in groups, and even at home! It is a great addition to any plant anatomy and physiology lesson/unit, because it provides students with a real-life example of how the various parts of a plant function, and how they each contribute to it's overall growth and development.

Students will make a hypothesis detailing what they believe will happen to the celery after sitting in the food coloring and water mixture for 24 hours, and then they will observe both the external and internal structures of the stalks to witness the xylem and phloem in action!

The only materials you need for this simple, yet exciting, lab are a few stalks of celery, food coloring, mason jars, and scissors.