Plants are living things, and they need certain things to stay healthy and grow. A young plant can become taller, make new leaves, and grow strong roots when its needs are met. The four main needs shown in this infographic are sunlight, water, air, and soil.
These needs help children understand why a healthy plant looks green and strong while a plant without care may wilt.
Key Facts
- Plants need sunlight, water, air, and soil to grow well.
- Sunlight helps plants make their own food in their leaves.
- Water moves from the roots to the stem and leaves.
- Air gives plants carbon dioxide, which they use to make food.
- Soil holds roots in place and provides water and nutrients.
- Healthy plant growth = sunlight + water + air + soil.
Vocabulary
- Sunlight
- Sunlight is the light from the Sun that helps plants make food.
- Water
- Water is a liquid that plants take in through their roots to help them live and grow.
- Air
- Air is the invisible mixture of gases around us that plants need for making food.
- Soil
- Soil is the loose earth where many plants grow their roots.
- Roots
- Roots are the plant parts that grow in soil and take in water and nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking plants only need water is wrong because plants also need sunlight, air, and soil or another place for roots to get support and nutrients.
- Giving a plant too much water is wrong because soggy soil can make roots unhealthy and stop them from getting enough air.
- Putting a plant in a dark place is wrong because without enough sunlight, the plant cannot make enough food to grow strong.
- Forgetting about roots is wrong because roots help hold the plant up and bring water and nutrients into the plant.
Practice Questions
- 1 A classroom plant is watered every 2 days. How many times is it watered in 10 days?
- 2 A plant grows 3 centimeters in one week and 2 centimeters the next week. How many centimeters did it grow in all?
- 3 A plant has water and soil but is kept in a dark closet. Explain why it may become pale, weak, or wilted.