Plant Stems
What have you learned about plants? Let put your knowledge to the test with a quick quiz.
1) Can you name the parts of this plant?
a)___________________________
b)__________________________
c)____________________________
d) ____________________________
2) Name 2 things that a plant needs to grow.
i)___________________________
ii)___________________________
3) The function of the roots of a plant is to absorb…
Sunlight b) water and nutrients c) heat
4) Can you name two functions of the stem?
i)____________________________
ii)____________________________
Super Celery Experiment
We now know that plants need water to grow and that they transport the water to the leaves and flowers through their stem. This experiment shows this process in action.
What you will need: celery with leaves still attached, food colouring (dark colours like red work best), glass / jar / vase.
Method:
- Separate your stalks of celery and choose ones with lots of leaves. The lighter ones in the centre will show the most colour change.
- Cut a small slice off the bottom of the stalk
- Fill your glass with water.
- Add 3 or 4 drops of food colouring and stir.
- Put your celery stalks into the water.
- Leave your stalk for a few hours and note has anything changed. Leave them over night and check again, and then check a 3rd time after two nights.
- What has happened and why?
- Cut a slice off the bottom of the celery and you will see where the coloured water has been transported up into the stem.
You can also try this experiment with flowers. Here are some daisies that were put in coloured water.
Send us pictures or videos of what you have done. Ask your parents to help you send them to rte.ie/learn
Crunchy Celery Snacks
Do you like munching on a stick of celery, well here are a couple of ways to of making it into a more interesting snack while still being healthy.
Ants on a Log
Ingredients
- Celery
- Peanut Butter
- Raisins
Method:
It's as simple as spreading a bit of peanut butter on a stick of celery (the log) and sticking on a few raisins (the ants). Nom Nom!
Hummus
Hummus is a super healthy, delicious snack that is great for dipping things into – like carrot sticks, cucumber, and CELERY! This is a simple recipe for hummus that you should try.
Ingredients
- 1 tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove of garlic
- 100ml of water
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of tahini
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Put the chickpeas, half the lemon juice, tahini, garlic, oil, salt and pepper in a blender and blend. (Get an adult to supervise using the blender).
- Scrape the mixture from the sides and blend again until smooth.
- Add some water or lemon juice if the mixture is a bit thick.
- Have a taste. You can add a little more salt and pepper or lemon juice depending on what you like.
Serve with the celery and other chopped up vegetables. Happy hummus eating!
Word Search
Send us pictures or videos of what you have done. Ask your parents to help you send them to rte.ie/learn
Quiz - Answer: 1) A -Flower or Petals, B – Leaf, C – Stem, D - Roots 2) Water, Air, Light, Warmth, Nutrients / Food, Soil, 3) b Water and Nutrients 4) Gives the plant structure / helps it stand up, Stores water and food, transports water and food around the plant.
Word Search Solution: 
