Unit 3: Plant Transport and Transpiration

• LP 3.1: The structure and function of xylem (upward water transport) and phloem (multi-directional sugar transport).
• LP 3.2: How water moves across cell membranes via diffusion and osmosis based on concentration gradients.
• LP 3.3: The process of transpiration and how environmental variables (humidity, light, wind) affect the rate of water loss.

• DCI: LS1.A Structure and Function: Plants have specialized systems of tiny tubes (vascular system) for transport.
• SEP: Developing and Using Models; Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Constructing Explanations: Used to predict water movement and explain environmental water loss.
• CCC: Structure and Function; Energy and Matter; Systems and System Models: Analyzing how internal plumbing supports homeostasis.

• 3.a. Design Model - Predict Phenomena: Predict water movement into/out of cells based on solute concentrations.

• 4.a. Demonstrate Patterns - Graphical: Analyze transpiration rate trends and environmental variable graphs.

• 5.c. Use Evidence/Theory - Reasoning: Construct causal explanations for plant dehydration and atmospheric water vapor.