The effect of light on water uptake by a plant: practical
I can use a simple potometer to investigate the effect of light on water uptake by a plant.
The effect of light on water uptake by a plant: practical
I can use a simple potometer to investigate the effect of light on water uptake by a plant.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Practical demonstration of the use of a simple potometer to measure water uptake by a leafy shoot.
- Use of a light source to vary light intensity.
- Use of appropriate apparatus to control temperature (e.g. a water tank as a heat shield between light and plant).
- Use of a simple potometer to measure water uptake by a plant at a range of light intensities.
- Rate of water uptake = change in volume of water ÷ time taken for volume to change
Keywords
Transpiration - the loss of water from a plant’s leaves
Potometer - a piece of equipment used to measure the rate of water uptake by a plant
Control - a variable which is kept constant between all experiments
Light intensity - the amount of light reaching a given area in a given time
Rate - a measure of how much change occurs per unit of time
Common misconception
Being able to explain the set up of a potometer is difficult because it has so many stages that are tricky.
The stages of setting up a potometer are broken down into four parts, checked for understanding, reinforced with a lab demonstration video and concluded with a cartoon task.
Equipment
Optional: potometer, leafy shoot, clamps, clamp stand, large beaker, tripod, gauze, lamp, metre rule, timer.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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