Rocket tugs on a clump of grass at the edge of the yard. It does not budge.
"Something is holding on down there!" he says.
Raven kneels close. "What do you notice about the ground around it?"
Nova hovers low. "Look under the soil line," she hints. "Plants have a grip you cannot see."
Rocket laughs. "Roots! The plant has an anchor."
Roots anchor a plant in the soil, like a boat anchor.
Roots take in water and nutrients from the soil.
Some roots also store food that the plant can use later.
Tiny root hairs grow near the root tip.
Root hairs give the root more surface to soak up water.
A taproot is one big main root that grows deep. A carrot is a taproot.
A fibrous root system is a mat of many thin roots. Grass has fibrous roots.
Both kinds carry water and nutrients the plant needs to grow.
| Root system | What it looks like | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Taproot | One thick main root | Carrot |
| Fibrous roots | Many thin, branching roots | Grass |
Look at your bean cup from the side.
Has the seed coat wrinkled or split? Do you see a tiny white root yet?
It is fine if nothing has changed. Seeds take their time.
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| Some roots store food for the plant. | ? |
| Grass has one big taproot. | ? |
| Root hairs grow near the root tip. | ? |
Root-tastic work! Tomorrow we climb up the stem and follow the water.