Whole Group Science

For thousands of years, humans have valued plant stems for their use in medicine, as food, and as building materials.  Stems are vital to the survival of plants.  Which of the following correctly describes the functions of stems in plants?

• They absorb nutrients from the soil.
• They attract insects to spread pollen.
• They perform photosynthesis to create food.
• They provide support and transport nutrients.

Cacti are plants that hold in water because they grow in deserts. This adaptation helps them survive in the very hot, dry environment. Their very thick and wide stems make food and store water.
However, in most plants, which structure is normally responsible for making food for the plant to use?

• flower
• fruit
• leaf
• root

Most plants that live on land have roots, stems, and leaves. Many plants also
produce flowers. Why are flowers important to plants?

• Flowers are needed for photosynthesis.
• Flowers help to anchor the plant in the soil.
• Flowers will become fruits where the seeds are produced.
• Flowers transport food and water to different parts of the plant.

Jamal notices that there are needle-like leaves on a tree in his back yard. Which one
of the following best describes what the needles do for the plant?

• support for the plant
• make food for the plant
• transport water to the roots
• produce the seeds for the plant to reproduce

Mary looks at the figure.  What can Mary say about the function of this part of a plant?

• It helps the plant reproduce.
• It helps the plant make food.
• It helps the plant transport water.
• It helps the plant support the leaves.

Norman’s favorite time to walk in his neighborhood is in the spring. His neighbor has two orange trees growing next to each other. One of the trees is 6 feet tall with oranges and white flowers on it. The other tree is 8 feet tall with only white flowers on it.  What evidence does Norman have that oranges will most likely grow on the larger tree?

• The larger tree is 8 feet tall.
• The larger tree has flowers on it.
• The larger tree is next to the tree with fruit.
• The larger tree is growing in the springtime.

Yani planted some radish seeds in a paper cup. When certain environmental conditions are present, the seeds will sprout. What is the name of this process?

• germination
• photosynthesis
• pollination
• reproduction

Seeds come in many shapes and sizes and are dispersed in many ways. Which of the following is NOT an example of how seeds can be dispersed?

• stuck to the fur of animals
• washed away by water
• dried out by sunlight
• spread by the wind

Mrs. Ruppen’s favorite plant is a hibiscus bush because of its colorful flowers that bloom most of the year. The male and female parts of the hibiscus flower can be easily seen in the diagram below.  During pollination, what is transferred from the male part to the female part of the flower?

• eggs
• pollen
• seeds
• spores

All year long Mrs. Muller's fourth grade class makes observations of a plant that sits on a table in the classroom. Which of the following observations describes an effect the environment may have on the plant?

• The flowers of the plant smell sweet.
• The roots of the plant are long and thin.
• The leaves of the plant have a waxy covering.
• The stems of the plant lean towards the window.