Plants Growth and Needs
How plants live, grow, and stay healthy
Plants Growth and Needs
How plants live, grow, and stay healthy
Science - Grade 2-3
- 1
Name three things most plants need to grow.
Think about what a plant uses every day.
Most plants need water, sunlight, and air to grow. Many plants also need space and nutrients from soil. - 2
A plant is kept in a dark closet for many days. What will likely happen to the plant?
The plant will likely become weak and may stop growing because it is not getting sunlight. Without light, plants cannot make the food they need. - 3
What job do roots do for a plant?
Think about the part of the plant under the soil.
Roots hold the plant in the ground and take in water and nutrients from the soil. They help the plant stay alive and steady. - 4
What job does the stem do for a plant?
The stem holds the plant up and helps move water and nutrients to other parts of the plant. It supports the leaves and flowers. - 5
Leaves are important to plants. Explain why.
Think about which plant part catches sunlight.
Leaves help plants make food using sunlight, air, and water. They are important because they help the plant grow and stay healthy. - 6
A child waters one plant every day and never waters another plant. How will the two plants be different after a while?
The watered plant will likely grow better and look healthier. The plant without water will likely droop, dry out, or die. - 7
Circle the living thing: rock, plant, pencil. Explain your choice.
Living things grow and need resources.
The plant is the living thing because it grows, needs water and air, and can make seeds. A rock and a pencil do not grow or need those things. - 8
Why do many plants need soil?
Many plants need soil because soil holds water and gives nutrients to the roots. Soil also helps anchor the plant in place. - 9
Put these plant life stages in order: seed, adult plant, seedling.
Think about how a plant starts and grows bigger.
The correct order is seed, seedling, adult plant. A seed begins to grow into a seedling, and then it becomes an adult plant. - 10
What does a seed need before it can begin to grow?
A seed needs water and the right conditions, such as warmth, to begin to grow. After it starts growing, it will need light and air too. - 11
A plant near a sunny window grows taller than a plant in a shady corner. What is one reason why?
Compare how much light each plant gets.
One reason is that the plant near the sunny window gets more sunlight. More sunlight helps the plant make food and grow. - 12
How are plants and animals alike in one way?
Plants and animals are alike because both are living things that need air and water to live. Both also grow and change over time. - 13
How are plants and animals different in one way?
Think about how each gets food.
Plants can make their own food using sunlight, but animals cannot. Animals must eat food from plants or other animals. - 14
Why is space important for a plant?
Space is important because a plant needs room for its roots, stem, and leaves to grow. If plants are too crowded, they may not get enough light, water, or nutrients. - 15
Describe one way a person can help a plant stay healthy.
Think about caring for a plant at home or at school.
A person can help a plant stay healthy by giving it the right amount of water and enough sunlight. They can also keep it in good soil and protect it from damage.