Year 8 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 4

Plants as Living Systems

Foundation Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Identify the role of roots, stems and leaves in a plant
Explain how the three plant organ systems work together
Match plant structures to their specific functions

Warm Up

Sort it!

Write each item from the pool into the correct category box. Some items may fit more than one category, choose the best match.

Anchor plant in soil Carry out photosynthesis Absorb water and minerals Support the plant upright Root hair cells for absorption Stomata for gas exchange Transport water upward (xylem) Large flat surface area No chloroplasts present Contain chloroplasts

Roots

Stems

Leaves

Your Turn

Match each term to its function

Draw a line connecting each plant structure on the left to its correct function on the right. Or write the matching letter next to each structure.

Plant structure	Your answer	Function
Root hair cells		A. Transport water from roots to leaves
Xylem vessels		B. Allow carbon dioxide to enter the leaf for photosynthesis
Stomata		C. Carry sugars made in leaves to other parts of the plant
Phloem vessels		D. Provide a large surface area to absorb water and minerals
Chloroplasts		E. Anchor the plant and prevent it from tipping over
Tap root		F. Capture light energy to make food (photosynthesis)

Show What You Know

1. A student says, "Roots don't need chloroplasts because they are underground and never see light." Explain why this is correct, and describe what roots do instead.

Recall 2 marks

2. Name the three organ systems of a plant and give one function for each system.

Recall 3 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?