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    Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » Plants » Why do plants need water?

    Why do plants need water?

    March 25, 2014 By Emma Vanstone 1 Comment

    A few days ago we noticed that one of our little pumpkin plants on the window sill had wilted.  The soil looked dry so we watered the plant and after a few hours it was standing lovely and straight again, which got us wondering why do plants need water.

    Why do plants need water

    Plants need water to germinate.

    We saw this with our bean in a jar. Water is needed to activate the process of germination, it also softens the seed making it easier for the plant to break through.

    Photosynthesis

    Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make energy to grow. Photosynthesis requires sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. We demonstrated what happens when a plant cannot photosynthesise when we made our cress caterpillar.

    Nutrient transfer

    Plants need water to absorb nutrients from the soil.

    Transpiration

    Transpiration is the process by which water moves up the stem of a plant from root to leaf when water is lost from the plant due to evaporation occurring at the leaves. This continual flow of water and nutrients  keeps the plant’s cells firm, if the cells become short of water they lose firmness and the plant starts to wilt.

    We can demonstrate transpiration by placing white flowers in coloured water, the water travels up the stem to the petals which become coloured like the water.

    Transpiration

    Have you ever noticed your plants wilting? Did they revive after you watered them?

     

    Suitable for Key Stage 1 – Living things and their habitats

     

    Last Updated on April 5, 2016 by Emma Vanstone

    « Early Years – Plant Science
    Playing Detective – add some science to role play »

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    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Berkan Anaç

      April 17, 2019 at 8:36 pm

      Plants need water to absorb nutrients from the soil. this sentence is wrong. please give true information.plants make nutrients itself.

      Reply

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