Understanding the Function of a Stem: A 4th Grade Science Experiment

Use celery to see exactly how a stem draws up food and water.

Items you will need for this experiment:

1. 1 Stick of Celery
2. Red or Blue Food Coloring (Don't use green or yellow because they won't show up)
3. A Clear Cup
4. Water
5. Knife
6. Paper
7. Pencil

Follow the steps below to complete the experiment:

1. Get out a clear cup or glass. Even a small clear vase will do. Add water to the cup about half way full.
2. Place several drips of food coloring in to the water until it is a dark red or blue. Mix it well.
3. Place your celery stick in to the glass of dyed water.
4. Make a 3 day chart on your piece of paper. Just divide your paper in to 3 sections and label each one: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3.
5. Day 1 would be today. Record what you did so far which would be steps 1, 2, and 3.
6. Day 2 would be tomorrow. Record any changes that you see happening with the celery stick.
7. Day 3 would be the day after day 2. Record any new changes and then remove your celery stick from the dyed water. Use your knife to cut the celery stick in half (width wise, not length wise). Record what you see.

This experiment will allow you to see first hand how a stem carries water up to the top of a plant. By making the water another color you are able to observe the water as the color travels upward. By cutting the celery stick in half, you are able to see which parts of the stem are red or blue and which ones aren't. That gives you an idea of which stem parts actually carry the water.

Share your findings in the way of an oral or written report. This can be done individually or in a group