Minds On
The importance of plants
Plants are very important to humans, animals, and the environment. Plants are used as food, water, and medicine. Plants are important to the air that we breathe, as habitat, for the climate, and much more!
Explore the following sorting activity. Predict what plants need to survive and what might make it hard for a plant to survive and make it difficult for it to grow.
Brainstorm
Plant survival
- What else might a plant need to survive?
- What else might make it hard for a plant to survive?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Action
Plant parts and needs
Just like humans, plants have different things that work together to keep them alive. Explore the following image to learn more about the different plant parts.
Parts of a plant.
Flower: Flowers are colourful and attract insects and help the plant reproduce.
Leaf: Leaves are usually large and flat and expose themselves to as much sunlight as possible. Their role is to make food for the plant using photosynthesis.
Stem: The stem provides support for the plant and a place for fruit and leaves to grow. Also, a stem transports water and nutrients up from the roots and down from the leaves.
Fruit: Fruits grow on plants and store seeds for reproduction.
Root: The roots are usually underground and help anchor the plant to the ground to provide strength and stability. They also take in water and nutrients from the soil and send it to the rest of the plant.
Pause and Reflect
Plant survival
Plants need specific things to survive, just like humans do.
- What do you think a plant needs to survive?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Explore the following images to learn about the five things plants need to survive.
Light: Plants usually get light from the sun. They can get light from other sources too. Plants use light to make energy (food).
Nutrients: A plant’s roots absorb nutrients. The nutrients help the plant grow healthier. Some examples of nutrients are potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorous.
Air: Plants need air to make energy (food). They make food through the process of photosynthesis. Plants absorb oxygen from the air.
Water: Plants need water to help break down nutrients from the soil. Water also helps with photosynthesis.
Space to grow: All living things need space. A plant’s roots need space to spread out. When they spread out, they absorb water and nutrients. Leaves need space to access light.
Check your understanding!
Based on what you learned about plant parts and needs, complete the following activity. For each sentence, select the missing word from the drop-down menu.
Photosynthesis
Throughout the first part of this learning activity, you may have noticed the word photosynthesis being used a lot. So, what does that mean?
The word “photosynthesis” comes from Greek root words that, when combined, mean “to put together with the help of light.”
All plants use photosynthesis to make their food. They also use photosynthesis to create oxygen that humans need to breathe.
Explore the following Happy Learning English video entitled “Photosynthesis” to learn more about how photosynthesis takes place.
Check out the following image to explore how photosynthesis works. You can also create your own diagram or recording.
The process of photosynthesis.
The process of photosynthesis. The sun has arrows pointing to a flower to show that sunlight moves to the plant. There are arrows on the plant that points to the oxygen that the plant emits. Sugar, which is food for the plant, is also formed during the process. There are arrows going to the plant to show that carbon dioxide is taken in by the plant. There are arrows pointing to the roots that show that water and mineral are taken in by the roots. These are all important elements of photosynthesis.
Check your understanding!
Using the information you learned, match the following terms with their role in photosynthesis.
For each term, select the corresponding role in the process.
In the previous video you explored, there were two new words: stomata and chlorophyll.
Press the following tabs to learn more about these two words.
The outer layers of leaves and some stems have small openings called stomata. These open and close to let carbon dioxide and oxygen into the plant during photosynthesis. Then, water vapour is released out of the plant into the air.
You can add the word “stomata” to your own diagram or recording.
Chlorophyll helps plants soak up energy from the sun through photosynthesis.
Check out the following Homework Zone video entitled “Chlorophyll” to learn more.
You can add the word “chlorophyll” to your own diagram or recording.
STEM activity
Plants need moisture, warmth, and light to grow. Sometimes, the weather conditions make it difficult for plants to grow.
Brainstorm
Weather
- Can you think of any weather that might make it difficult for plants to grow?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Press ‘Hint’ to check the possible answers.
Extreme cold, frost, snow, or hail are all examples of weather that might be hard on a plant because the plant needs sun, warmth, and moisture.
What is a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure that can give a plant all the things it needs to survive. It can also be a place to grow plants in the most extreme weather conditions.
A greenhouse provides a place for plants to grow where things can be controlled. It protects them from temperature or other weather conditions, such as snow, ice, frost, or hail. Also, a greenhouse can protect plants from insects or disease.
Check out the following Floogals video entitled “Project Greenhouse” to learn about how a greenhouse works.
Your turn!
Now, it’s your turn! Your task is to help design a community greenhouse.
The community greenhouse design must include the following:
- It must be big enough for at least three children and plants.
- It must protect the plants from weather (wind, snow, cold).
- It must protect the plants from pests (insects or small animals).
- It must have a door that can open and close, so people can go in and water the plants.
Work through the engineering design process to create a plan for your greenhouse.
Engineering design process
Brainstorming is when you think about ideas like how to solve a problem.
When you plan something, you think about the steps you have to follow and the materials you will need.
Create your community greenhouse design or a detailed description of your design using a method of your choice.
Consolidation
Check your understanding!
Using the information you learned about plants in this learning activity, match the following terms with their definitions.
For each term, select the corresponding definition.
Greenhouse plants
A community has decided to build a greenhouse so that they can grow fruits and vegetables all year long for local residents. They liked your design and have asked you to make a list of the things plants need to survive. This will help them to plan their planting in the new greenhouse.
Using a method of your choice, create a list of what plants need to survive and explain how each one helps the plants survive.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.