Plants and What They Need
Grade 1 · Science · Study Guide
Discover what plants need to grow and stay healthy!
Plants are living things that grow almost everywhere on Earth — in gardens, forests, and even in the water! Just like you need food and water to stay healthy, plants need certain things to survive and grow.
Every plant needs four important things: sunlight, water, air, and soil. The roots of a plant drink up water from the soil. The green leaves use sunlight and air to make food for the plant. This process is called photosynthesis — it's like the plant cooking its own meal using sunshine!
When plants get everything they need, they grow strong and healthy. They make flowers, fruits, and seeds. Seeds can travel by wind or animals to new places, where they can sprout and grow into brand-new plants.
| What Plants Need | Where It Comes From | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Sunlight | The Sun | Helps make food |
| Water | Rain or watering can | Carries nutrients |
| Air | Everywhere around us | Used to make food |
| Soil | The ground | Holds roots, gives nutrients |
Key terms
- roots
- The parts of a plant that grow underground and soak up water and nutrients from the soil.
- leaves
- The flat green parts of a plant that use sunlight and air to make food.
- photosynthesis
- The way plants use sunlight, water, and air to make their own food.
- seed
- A tiny object that can grow into a new plant when it has water, warmth, and soil.
- stem
- The part of a plant that holds it up and carries water from the roots to the leaves.
Flashcards
- roots
- Underground parts that soak up water and hold the plant in soil.
- stem
- Holds the plant up and moves water from roots to leaves.
- leaves
- Use sunlight and air to make food for the plant.
- photosynthesis
- How plants use sunlight, water, and air to make food.
- seed
- Can grow into a new plant with water, warmth, and soil.
- soil
- The dirt that holds roots and gives plants nutrients.
Practice questions
What do plant roots do?
- Make flowers
- Soak up water from soil
- Catch sunlight
- Make seeds
Show answer
Answer: Soak up water from soil
Roots grow underground and absorb water and minerals that the plant needs to survive.
Plants need sunlight to make their own food.
Show answer
Answer: True
Sunlight is a key ingredient for photosynthesis, the process plants use to make their own food.
Which part of the plant holds it up straight?
- Root
- Leaf
- Stem
- Seed
Show answer
Answer: Stem
The stem is like the plant's backbone — it supports the plant and acts as a highway for water and nutrients.
Plants can grow just fine with no water at all.
Show answer
Answer: False
Water is essential for plants. Without water, they wilt and eventually die.
The process where plants use sunlight to make food is called ___.
Show answer
Answer: photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the amazing process where plants turn sunlight, water, and air into sugar (food) for themselves.
Fun facts
- The biggest plant in the world is a giant sequoia tree — it can be as tall as a 26-story building!
- Some plants, like Venus flytraps, actually eat insects!
- A sunflower turns its head to follow the Sun across the sky each day.
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