SC.3.L.14.1 Slippery Leaves - Science

Slippery Leaves
SC.3.L.14.1 Describe structures in plants and their roles in food production,
support, water and nutrient transport, and reproduction.
(This activity also addresses SC.3.L.14.2 and SC.4.L.16.1)
Overview:
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make food. Plants use water,
carbon dioxide, chlorophyll, and sunlight in the process of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis takes place mainly in the plant’s leaves. When sunlight falls
on the leaf, the process begins. The light energy is taken in by the
chlorophyll located in the leaf. Chlorophyll changes light energy into
chemical energy. Carbon dioxide enters the plant through the stomata,
which are located on the underside of the leaf. When the stomata are open
they can take in carbon dioxide, while releasing some of the oxygen
produced by the plant. In this lesson, students will apply petroleum jelly to
several trial leaves on each of the three test plants, to determine which side
of the leaf takes in carbon dioxide and what will happen to the plant if this
process is blocked.
Time Frame: 2 weeks
Materials: (per group)
3 bean plants
4 Tbsp. Vaseline
1 Ruler
Drawing paper (1 per child)
Colored pencils or crayons (1 box per child)

Procedure:
1. Label the first plant “A.”
2. Label the second plant “B.”
3. Label the third plant “C.”
4. Put the 3 plants on a sunny windowsill.
5. Draw a picture of each plant.
6. Measure and record the height of all three plants.
7. Rub Vaseline on the top of several of the leaves on plant “A.”
8. Rub Vaseline on the underside of several of the leaves on plant “B.”
9. Plant “C” remains as is.
10. Water all three plants the same.
11. Measure and record the growth of each plant every other day.
12. Draw pictures of any changes taking place.
Assessment:
• Explain what happened to the three plants and why air is necessary
for photosynthesis.
Home Learning:
Write up the experiment. Be sure to include your problem statement and
hypothesis.