What do roots do?
Quick answer from Eartha
Roots have two big jobs. First, they hold a plant steady in the ground, like anchors, so wind can't blow it away. Second, they soak up water and minerals from the soil for the plant to use. Some roots even store food, like a carrot storing sugar underground for later.
The longer story
Roots usually grow underground, out of sight, but they're doing important work all the time. Their first job is holding the plant firmly in place so it doesn't topple over in wind or rain.
Their second job is soaking up water and nutrients from the soil, using tiny root hairs to reach into small gaps between soil particles. This water then travels up into the stem and leaves.
Some roots also store food for the plant. A carrot is actually a root packed with stored sugar, which is why it tastes a little sweet.
Tree roots can spread very wide, sometimes stretching out further sideways than the tree is tall, helping keep even huge trees standing strong through storms.
Try this at home: root spotting
- Gently pull up a small weed from a garden bed, roots and all.
- Rinse the roots in a bowl of water to see them clearly.
- Look for tiny root hairs and talk about their jobs.
Words to know
- Anchor
- Something that holds a plant firmly in place.
- Nutrient
- A tiny bit of goodness in soil that helps plants grow.
- Root hair
- A tiny thread-like part of a root that soaks up water.
For grown-ups: what is my child learning here?
Age band: 5-8
Curriculum link: Australian Curriculum v9 Science, AC9S2U01
The concept: Plants have external features, such as roots, that suit their environment and support survival.
More classroom ideas are on our teachers page, and safety notes for families are on for parents.
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