• Small leafy plants or celery stalks with leaves
• Clear plastic cups
• Food coloring (blue or red)
• Water
• Paper towels
• Magnifying glasses
• Lab observation sheets
• Scissors

Set up investigation stations with materials. Prepare observation sheets with prediction, observation, and conclusion sections.

1. Introduce the concept of transpiration - how plants move water from roots to leaves.
2. Demonstration: Show a plant and ask students to predict how water travels through it.
3. Procedure:
4. Fill cups with water and add food coloring
5. Trim plant stems under water to prevent air bubbles
6. Place stems in colored water
7. Make an initial observation and drawing
8. Make predictions about what will happen over time
4. Observe at intervals (30 minutes, 2 hours, next day)
5. For final observation: carefully cut open a stem to observe the colored vessels inside
6. Record all observations with detailed drawings
7. Class discussion: Compare results and draw conclusions about how water moves through plants
8. Connect to the larger water cycle and plant systems

Younger students focus on simple observations and drawings. Older students measure water levels, calculate transpiration rates, or design variations of the experiment.

Review observation sheets for accurate recording of data and reasonable conclusions. Listen for use of scientific vocabulary during discussions.