Syllabus ref. and Key Concepts (KC)

7.1.2 Describe the distribution of xylem and phloem in transverse sections of stems, roots and leaves of herbaceous dicotyledonous plants.

7.1.3 Draw and label xylem vessel elements, phloem sieve tube elements and companion cells from microscope slides, photomicrographs and electron micrographs.

7.1.4 Relate the structure of xylem vessel elements, phloem sieve tube elements and companion cells to their functions.

Learners identify different plant tissues and draw plan diagrams of transverse sections of the stems, roots and leaves, complete with magnification values, to produce a table comparing the two. An alternative to making primary observations using a microscope is to distribute prints of light micrographs for learners to analyse. Share success criteria by showing ‘outline maps’ of areas at school, and elicit that fine details of the school spaces (cells in this analogy), are not required in order to recognise them. (I)

Show learners four or five exemplar answers to one Paper 3 exam question that include diagrams. Learners rank the diagrams in order of quality and then explain the order they select. The intention is to help learners understand mark schemes and success criteria.

Prepare three or four past paper questions, ideally of multiple-choice or short-answer questions, which learners complete and pass to you as they leave the room. This ‘exit card’ technique enables you to judge whether you need to reinforce the content of this lesson in the next lesson. (F)