This teaching module allows students to explore the role of stomata in regulating leaf temperature and water loss from plants under different environmental and climatic conditions.
Students will observe the nature and distribution of stomata of plants growing under varying temperature conditions and use the data to quantify differences in these plants. This includes a complete laboratory activity plan with background information in the form of a reading and links to other relevant readings and videos.
Use this tool to help students find answers to:
- What is abiotic stress? How does abiotic stress affect plant physiology?
- How does stomatal conductance change in heat-stressed plants?
About the Tool
Tool Name | Changing Planet: Withering Plants- Stressing Over Lost Water |
Discipline | Biological Sciences |
Topic(s) in Discipline |
Abiotic Stress, Stress Physiology, Temperature Variation Heat Stress, Stomatal Conductance, Regulating Leaf Temperature Withering of Plants, Dehydration, Water Loss from Plants |
Climate Topic | Climate and the Biosphere |
Type of Tool | Teaching Module |
Grade Level | High school, Undergraduate |
Location | Global |
Language | English |
Translation | |
Developed by | Missy Holzer, Jennifer Bergman and Roberta Johnson of the Windows to the Universe team |
Hosted at | National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) |
Link | https://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/withering_crops_activity.html |
Access | Online |
Computer Skills | Basic |

Image: Science Photo Gallery