Lesson Plan

• Describe the apoplastic and symplastic pathways for solute movement in plants.
• Explain how mineral ions are taken up by roots and transported upward in the xylem.
• Explain the pressure‑flow mechanism that moves organic compounds in the phloem.
• Compare the roles of xylem and phloem in distributing nutrients and hormones.
• Evaluate how solute transport influences plant growth and stress responses.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation on transport pathways
• Handout with summary tables of ions and organic compounds
• Printed diagram of xylem and phloem for labeling activity
• Worksheet with short‑answer and diagram‑labeling tasks
• Markers and chart paper for group mind‑map

Begin with a quick poll: “What travels inside a plant besides water?” Connect to prior knowledge of water uptake and cell structure. State that today’s success criteria are to identify the pathways and explain how mineral ions and organic compounds move dissolved in water.

1. Do‑now (5') – short quiz on root uptake and basic cell anatomy.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – introduce apoplastic vs. symplastic routes and xylem transport of mineral ions.
3. Interactive diagram labeling (10') – students label a printed diagram of xylem, phloem, apoplastic and symplastic pathways.
4. Demonstration (5') – capillary action model showing upward water movement.
5. Video & discussion (10') – pressure‑flow mechanism in the phloem.
6. Group worksheet (10') – compare ion vs. organic transport, complete tables of concentrations.
7. Check for understanding (5') – exit ticket: one sentence describing how mineral ions move upward.
8. Summary & homework (5') – recap key points; assign reading on nutrient distribution and a short reflection.

Review the two transport systems and their distinct solutes, emphasizing why solubility in water is essential. Collect exit tickets and highlight a model answer. For homework, ask students to find a real‑world example where disrupted transport affects plant health.