Plants

What are Plants?

Plants are living things that grow on land or in water. Unlike animals, plants cannot move from place to place to find food. Instead, they are amazing scientists that make their own food using sunlight!

The Parts of a Plant Most plants have four main parts, and each one has a very important job to do:

• Roots: These grow underground. They act like straws, soaking up water and nutrients from the soil. They also hold the plant firmly in the ground so it doesn't blow away.
• Stem: The stem is like a backbone. It supports the plant and carries water from the roots to the leaves.
• Leaves: This is where the plant makes its food! Leaves catch sunlight and use it to turn air and water into sugar.
• Flowers: Flowers are colorful to attract bees and butterflies. Their main job is to make seeds so new plants can grow.

What Do Plants Need to Grow? To stay healthy, plants need five things (you can remember them with the word PLANTS or the acronym LAWNS):

1. Light (Sunlight)
2. Air
3. Water
4. Nutrients (Food from the soil)
5. Space (Room to grow)

How Do Plants Start? (The Life Cycle) Most plants begin their life as a tiny seed. Inside every seed is a "baby plant" waiting for the right time to grow.

• Germination: When a seed gets water and warmth, it "wakes up" and sprouts.
• Seedling: A tiny sprout with a few leaves.
• Adult Plant: A full-grown plant that can make its own seeds.

Why Are Plants Important? Plants are the "lungs" of our planet. They are helpful because:

• They Give Us Oxygen: We need the air that plants make so we can breathe.
• They Give Us Food: Almost everything we eat comes from plants (fruits, veggies, and grains).
• They shelter Us: Wood from trees is used to build houses and furniture.

Lesson Summary

• Plants have roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
• They need sunlight, air, and water to make food.
• They grow from seeds and follow a life cycle.