Chlorophyll Fun!

Our windowsill garden is becoming a jungle! Students' plants are growing quickly and some are even out growing the sticks they are stacked to. 

The leaves are large and darkening in colour. Our most recent focus within our study of plants is plant parts and functions. Today we took a closer look at the role leaves play. Students understand that leaves are the part of the plant that makes food for the plant; without leaves, the plant would not survive. 

We know that the process of making food is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occurs when the chemical chlorophyll within the leaves mixes with air, water and sunlight. Students have observed what happens what a plant does not receive sunlight or air or water- the plant is not able to make food for itself. The seeds we tried to grow without sunlight, air or water are not doing well. The seed that received no air and the seed that received no water did not grow or spout. The plant living without sunlight in our cupboard, did grow and grew quickly. Yet, the stem is white, the seed leaves are shrivelled and leaves did not grow. Today we noticed that the roots are no longer soaking up water. The water is sitting on top of the soil. It does not look healthy when compared to the plants in our windowsill garden. 

After an activity in the classroom, we traveled outside to collect leaves in order to make chlorophyll rubbings! Plenty of dandelion leaves were readily available!

Once back in the classroom, we used the handles of our scissors to rub against the leaves to release the chlorophyll inside. 

 Ta- da! Chlorophyll! The same stuff that stains the knees on our jeans!

~Ms. Burland