The function of leaves
I can describe why plants have leaves.
The function of leaves
I can describe why plants have leaves.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many plants have roots, stems, leaves and flowers.
- Plants can make their own food. This happens in the leaves of a plant.
- Plants make food in their leaves, using sunlight, carbon dioxide and water.
- To investigate why plants have leaves, a plant with leaves removed can be observed over time.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a plant’s leaves are for the collection of water, due to their shape and the way we often appear to pour water over the leaves when we water plants.
Use the lesson resources to explain that the function of the leaves is to make food for the plant.
Keywords
Leaf - A leaf is the part of a plant where the plant makes its food using the process of photosynthesis.
Function - The task that something has is its function.
Carbon dioxide - Carbon dioxide is a type of gas that is in the air around us.
Photosynthesis - The way in which plants make food in their leaves is called photosynthesis.
Observation over time - In an observation over time investigation, we observe and record how something changes over a period of time.
Equipment
See Additional material.
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).
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