Our hands-on project also relates to this book. In the book, the tree porcupines tell Senhor that the trees produce oxygen. This lab will help you see how plants are able to do this.
Click below to watch a short video showing how this lab should be set up.
Make sure you have adult permission to use a house plant for this experiment. Your adult helper can help you choose an appropriate plant for you to use.
Take care not to crush the leaves of the plant during this experiment.
Materials you will need:
1 clear plastic bag (a produce bag works well)
1 potted leafy plant
1 twist tie
Water
Procedure:
1) Carefully place the plastic bag around part of the plant so that some leaves are enclosed in the bag. Remember, try not to squash the leaves. Use the twist tie to seal the bag tightly to the stem.
2) Water the plant as usual. Place it in a sunny spot.
3) The next day, check the inside of the bag. What happened?
Explanation:
This lab models evapo-transpiration. Evapo-transpiration is the process by which water (containing oxygen) is released from the tiny pores (holes) of a leaf to enter the atmosphere. The water that was released from the leaves of your plant has been trapped inside the plastic bag.
My students studied photosynthesis at the beginning of the semester. Here's a student-friendly website that explains the process of photosynthesis (click on the tabs of the card in the center of the page to learn more)
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis relates to transpiration since plants create oxygen during this process and then release it (through their leaves) into the air.
References
Cherry, L. (1990). The great kapok tree: A tale of the Amazon rain forest. San Diego: Voyager Books.
Hansen, M.P., Miller, M.K., and Spann, M.B. (1993). Integrated theme units: Rain forest. Scholastic, Inc.
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