Plant Life Cycles
How to use: Download the PDF to print the worksheet. Then use this page to repeat activities and check answers.
Learning Objectives
- 1Describe the stages of a plant life cycle in order
- 2Identify the role of seeds, roots, and flowers in plant growth
Mini Lesson
Plants go through a series of changes from a tiny seed to a mature plant that produces new seeds. This repeating pattern is called a life cycle. Every plant follows similar stages, though the speed and appearance of each stage can differ.
Stages of a Plant Life Cycle
- Seed — the starting point, containing everything needed to grow.
- Germination — the seed absorbs water, splits open, and a root grows down.
- Seedling — a young shoot pushes through the soil and tiny leaves appear.
- Young plant — leaves grow larger, collecting sunlight for food (photosynthesis).
- Mature plant — the plant reaches full size and flowers bloom.
- Pollination and fruit — flowers are pollinated and fruit forms around seeds.
- New seeds — the fruit releases seeds that will start new plants.
Key Parts and Their Roles
- Roots — anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals from the soil.
- Stem — carries water and nutrients up to the leaves.
- Leaves — make food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (photosynthesis).
- Flowers — attract pollinators so seeds can form.
- Seeds — contain the new plant embryo; start the cycle again.
Remember: seeds need water, warmth, and air to germinate — they do not need sunlight until the shoot appears.
Exercises
Drag the cards into the correct order to show the stages of a plant life cycle.
Pick the best answer.
What is the first stage of a plant life cycle?
What process allows a seed to begin growing?
Which part of the plant makes food using sunlight?
What is the role of the root?
What happens after a flower is pollinated?
What do seeds need to germinate?
Which stage comes after the seedling stage?
What is photosynthesis?
Why do plants produce flowers?
How does a plant life cycle continue after fruit forms?