Plants: Structure & Function
Misconceptions
Plants are BORING...
Plants are NOT boring! Students tend to have this mindset when approaching the plant unit. It is vital that students understand the importance of plants in their lives and in society. The plant unit should be fun, engaging and filled with a variety of different activities! This will ensure student engagment and fun for all!
Stoma Opening and Closing
Oftentime, students struggle with the concept of the stoma opening and closing based on hydration levels in the plant. The stoma of the plant is open when the guard cells are swelled with water. The stoma of the plant is closed when the guard cells do not contain water and are limp and flaccid.
Oftentimes, when something is swollen it 'closes up'. Think of your throat when you are sick for example. This is what may create this misconception in students.
To eliminate this misconception, a demo using balloon to symbolize the guard cells of a stoma may help.
Please see the video below.