Explore Corn
Roots and Shoots
Grade Level: Middle School
Many students have previous experience germinating seeds, but in my experience, few have thought much about how plants grow in the correct orientation. How do plants send roots into the soil and shoots up to gather light?
This activity is designed for students to propose and design experiments as well as identify the stimulus that plants rely on to determine which way is up.
Teaching the Lesson
- Kansas College and Career Ready Standards
- Learning Objectives
- Materials
- Safety Considerations
- Procedure for Instruction
- Background Information
- Classroom Discussion
- Procedure for Lab
- Teacher Resources
- Lab Analysis
- Reflection and Conclusion
- Assessments
- Science and Agriculture Careers
- Sources
- Disclaimer
About Kansas Corn STEM
Investing in Kansas teachers and students is a priority for the Kansas Corn Commission. We are committed to providing materials and training to support STEM education while fostering an understanding of how corn farming and agriculture fit into our daily lives. Professional development workshops are offered to teachers seeking to expand their knowledge and inquiry-based teaching skills. Workshop participants receive free lab supplies needed for the lessons.
Workshop InfoThis lesson is the work product of the Kansas Corn Commission. Our lessons are written in collaboration with Kansas teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers may copy and share this curriculum. Use of this product for commercial or promotional use is prohibited without express permission of Kansas Corn.
Newsletter Sign Up
Each quarter we release a newsletter written by teachers for teachers. This is an easy way to keep up with what is happening at Kansas Corn STEM.
Subscribe Today!