Celery 'Drinking' Experiment

The kids really loved this experiment and it let them discover for themselves how plants 'drink'.

Some great thought processes were witnessed and interesting conversations were had, some of which are documented below.

Day 1 Celery Experiment

Day 1 - When we placed the celery in the coloured water (black, yellow and green), I asked my 6 year old;
"What do you think will happen?"
There was a bit of a blank look on her face and she really didn't know what to say.  When I prompted her to make a random guess she said "They are going to turn that colour?"
Lets wait and see I said...

Day 2 Celery Experiment

Day 2 - As the celery started to change colour, the excitement grew!  

"Oh my gosh... look at the celery!" 

 I asked "How did the colour get to the top of the stalk when only the bottom is in the water?"  

This question provoked much thought and eventually, after a little giggle came the response; 

"Through the air?" 

 I said  "Good try... have another guess."  

After more thought came the response "It goes up the celery stick."

I asked "How does it go up?"

"On the outside"

We felt the celery stick.

"Is there any colour on your fingers?

"No."

"So, the colour doesn't go up on the outside.  How else could it get to the top?

"On the inside!"  

"Yes!  Why would the water go all the way to the top of the stalk and through the leaves?"

"Don't know."

"Have a guess."

"Mmmm, because it's drinking it."

"Exactly!"

This was a great  conversation and I loved the way she really thought about her answers.  The look on her face when she figured out the process was remarkable.  She was so proud!  

Day 3 Celery Experiment

Day 3 - We continued to watch the celery changing colour even more dramatically on the 3rd day.


Overall, this was a very successful science experiment and my kids enthusiasm made it very enjoyable.  I highly recommend trying it!!!!