Plants Need Sunlight and Water
How to use: Download the PDF to print the worksheet. Then use this page to repeat activities and check answers.
Learning Objectives
- 1Name what plants need to survive
- 2Explain what sunlight, water, soil, and air each do for a plant
Mini Lesson
Have you ever wondered why a plant by a sunny window grows tall, but a plant in a dark corner wilts? Plants are living things — and like all living things, they have needs.
Plants need sunlight
- Sunlight gives plants the energy to make their own food.
- This food-making process is called photosynthesis.
- Example: Leaves face the sun to catch as much light as possible.
Plants need water
- Roots soak up water from the soil and send it up the stem.
- Water carries minerals from the soil to every part of the plant.
- Without water, a plant will wilt and die.
Plants need soil and air
- Soil holds the roots in place and stores minerals the plant uses.
- Plants take in a gas called carbon dioxide from the air through tiny holes in their leaves.
- They use carbon dioxide and sunlight together to make food.
Ask yourself: "What would happen if I covered the plant's leaves? What if I stopped watering it?"
Guided Practice
Sketch a plant from your paper worksheet and label what it needs. Then use the Tracing Pad to practice the science words from this lesson.
Tip: Sunlight + water + soil + air = a happy, healthy plant!
Exercises
1. What do plants need to survive?
2. What does sunlight do for a plant?
3. What is the job of a plant's roots?
4. What does soil do for a plant?
5. What happens to a plant if it does not get water?
6. What is the main job of a plant's leaves?
7. Why do plants need air?
8. How do plants make their own food?
9. A plant is placed in a completely dark room. What will happen?
10. Why do plants need the same things as other living things?
Assessment
Parent / Teacher Checklist