Root exploration

Materials: shovels or spades, hose or water

Activity: Locate some plants (weedy areas are usually good to get a variety) and dig them up with a spade or shovel, digging deep enough to get most of the roots. Let kids rinse the soil off of the roots gently. Examine the roots. Point out how the fine roots hold the plant stable in the soil and take up water and nutrients from a wider area. The thicker roots support the plant and store starches and water for the plant. You may be able to find root nodules, which are basically houses that the plant builds for bacteria that help them get more nutrients. Learning bonus: Talk about and/or examine foods that are roots like carrots and radishes. Show how we have taken advantage of the energy and water stored in these root vegetables.

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