Kowai Hub have been learning about the different food groups that make up a balanced diet. Last week we looked at fruit and vegetables and did an experiment using celery. Separate groups put a stick of celery in a glass of water mixed with a different coloured food colouring. They then left the experiment overnight to see what would happen. In the morning the coloured water had travelled through the stalk to the leaves and turned them the colour of the food colouring. The children were very excited about their blue, black and red celery! 

The reason for this experiment was to show how plants absorb water through their roots through a process called osmosis. The water travels up tubes in the stems to all parts of the plants, and is used during photosynthesis to make food for the plant. When food colouring is added to the water, it travels with the water into the celery's stem and then into the leaves. Plants also absorb nutrients from the soil through the roots and up through the phloem in the plant's stems. The food colouring illustrates how nutrients are delivered to all parts of the plant. 

Kowai Hub will be completing more experiments this week with eggs and yeast and look forward to sharing them with you next newsletter!