Plants have developed the amazing ability to directly harness the energy from the sun, an incredibly effective way of feeding themselves. All plant leaves are natural solar panels. The conversion of light into energy takes place within the green pigment in the leaf known as chlorophyll. Water is moved from the roots to the leaves through the xylem tissues while carbon dioxide is collected by specialized cells on the undersides of leaves called stomata. As a plant draws in air through the stomata it is losing water through transpiration. At a certain temperature, water loss is so great that a plant will shut down photosynthesis in order to avoid the water loss.

This class covers the details of plant growth from seed to fruits. The class will dissect two different seeds, a stem, flower and fruit for to observe and learn. They will also draw and name parts of a seed, root, stem and flower. We will also plant the seeds and 
observe growth stages from germination, types of roots, budding and beyond.
 
Week 1: All about seeds. 
Week 2: Germination and Roots
Week 3: Seedlings and Stem
Week 4: Growth and Growing Conditions
Week 5: Leaves and  Photosynthesis
Week 6: Transpiration and Respiration
Week 7:  Budding and Flowers
Week 8:  Fruits and Seeds

Learning will take place using slides, videos and direct observation.