English National Curriculum Science

5. Describe the structure of a leaf

Mission Objectives

Explain how leaves have adapted to enable photosynthesis

Identify and explain the functions of the different cells in a leaf

Follow a method to collect a sample from a leaf and then view under a microscope

Rocket Words Quiz

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Assessment Quiz

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Word Search Game

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Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

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KS3-16-05 Handout PDF KS3-16-05 Handout

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

mesophyll

the inner tissue of a leaf, containing many chloroplasts

epidermis

the upper or outer layer of the two main layers of cells that make up the skin; it is mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells

palisade cells

found in the mesophyll of a leaf, their main function is the absorption of light so that photosynthesis can take place

stomata

pores which are present in the lower epidermis of leaves and allow gas exchange between the plant and the atmosphere

waxy cuticle

the water-tight protective layer covering the upper epidermal cells of leaves and limiting water loss

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This lesson has been written by

Dr Shannon Weldon

Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!

Maria Bateson

Maria completed her PGCE at Oxford in 2005 and taught at schools in Oxford and London before taking time out for family and travel. Maria has led INSET for teachers in Ukraine and gained her Scouting Wood Badge in Belgium. Since returning to the UK and the classroom in 2019, Maria has been awarded Chartered Science Teacher status and more recently, Lead Practitioner. She is also on the Editorial Board for School Science Review, the ASE Journal, and currently teaches at The Charter School East Dulwich as KS5 Science Lead.

Required Resources

Resources: Clear nail varnish, clear sticky tape, deciduous leaves, microscope, microscope slides.

Handout: An investigation sheet for the students to complete.

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