Cells, plants, and living systems
Structure, transport, and system explanations
How do living systems move what they need — and what evidence shows it?
Science inquiry · Unit 8
Cells, plants, and living systems
Structure, transport, and system explanations
Living World · Life processes
Wero
How do living systems move what they need — and what evidence shows it?
First step
Collect structured observations, then explain the system connections.
What you will show
Causal system explanation linked to named evidence.
Local place context
What living sample or model organism connects to your local whenua or lab protocol?
Living World · Life processes
First step
Collect structured observations, then explain the system connections.
Expected outcome
Causal system explanation linked to named evidence.
You will compare plant and human transport, run a heart-rate investigation, and link results to systems thinking. How substances move in tissues and how transport systems maintain supply across an organism. Heart rate data, diffusion/osmosis observations, annotated diagrams.
Five ways you could investigate
Pick one to start — or write your own question. The AI mentor supports you gently inside your investigation.
Idea 1
Transport in stems
What happens to dye movement in stems over timed intervals?
Start with this question →Idea 2
Leaf surface comparison
Do upper vs lower leaf surfaces show different moisture loss?
Start with this question →Idea 3
Root zone moisture
How does soil moisture change near roots vs away from plants?
Start with this question →Idea 4
Human pulse after activity
How does pulse rate recover after exercise — and what system links fit?
Start with this question →Idea 5
Osmosis demonstration
Can you measure mass change in a teacher-approved osmosis setup?
Start with this question →
Five things you could build
Fabrication ideas linked to makerspace tools — 3D print, laser cut, Arduino, data products, and more.
Build 1
Plant support clip
Respond to stem lean evidence with a measured clip.
Open in outcome selector →Build 2
Observation chamber
Hold specimens for consistent viewing time.
Open in outcome selector →Build 3
System diagram poster
Show transport pathways with your evidence callouts.
Open in outcome selector →Build 4
Moisture sensor mount
Position a sensor at root depth you measured.
Open in outcome selector →Build 5
Growth log dashboard
Mock up a simple dashboard for repeated plant measures.
Open in outcome selector →
AI mentor (inside your investigation)
No separate mentor page — support appears in your investigation workspace. It starts gentle: short prompts about your research context, data, and analysis. You or your teacher can turn assistance off for unassisted work, or request more help when you need it. It also guides fabrication choices tied to your evidence.