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Read About Plant Growth

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scientist and kids pose next to a very large carrot
PLANT GROWTH DEFINITION

Plants are alive! They take in nutrients, they grow and they reproduce. Plants grow best when they have the right conditions. That means getting the right amount of sunlight and water to grow best.

To better understand how plant growth works…

PLANT GROWTH DEFINITION. Plants are alive! They take in nutrients, they grow and they reproduce. Plants grow best when they have the right conditions. That means getting the right amount of sunlight and water to grow best. To better understand how plant growth works…

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN!

Plants Need Sunlight

scientist and kids stand next to pots they are using to grow plants

Sunlight is light that comes from the sun. It shines down on Earth every day. Plants capture sunlight using their leaves and they use energy from it to make nutrients.

Plants Need Sunlight Sunlight is light that comes from the sun. It shines down on Earth every day. Plants capture sunlight using their leaves and they use energy from it to make nutrients.
scientist and kids stand next to pots they are using to grow plants

Plants Need Water

scientist explains different types of soil

All living things need water to stay alive. Plants use water to make nutrients in their leaves and it helps the plant stand up straight. Different plants need different amounts of water.

Plants Need Water All living things need water to stay alive. Plants use water to make nutrients in their leaves and it helps the plant stand up straight. Different plants need different amounts of water.
scientist explains different types of soil

Plants Grow Best in Rich Soil

closeup of soil from a fram

Soil provides an anchor for plants to take root. Rich soil, such as loam, is a mixture of sand, clay, minerals and dead or decaying plant material. Soil has the water and nutrients plants need to grow best.

Plants Grow Best in Rich Soil Soil provides an anchor for plants to take root. Rich soil, such as loam, is a mixture of sand, clay, minerals and dead or decaying plant material. Soil has the water and nutrients plants need to grow best.
closeup of soil from a fram

Plants Grow Slowly

scientist looks at a tiny carrot

It takes a few months for a plant to grow from a seed into a plant that can be eaten. People eat all the parts of a plant: stem, leaves, fruits, roots and even flowers. A carrot is the root of a carrot plant.

Plants Grow Slowly It takes a few months for a plant to grow from a seed into a plant that can be eaten. People eat all the parts of a plant: stem, leaves, fruits, roots and even flowers. A carrot is the root of a carrot plant.
scientist looks at a tiny carrot

Plant vs. Animal Needs

kid explains that plants need water and light to grow

Plants and animals have some of the same needs, but some of their needs are different. Both of them need water to live, but only plants need light. Also, animals eat food, but plants make their own food with the help of sunlight.

Plant vs. Animal Needs Plants and animals have some of the same needs, but some of their needs are different. Both of them need water to live, but only plants need light. Also, animals eat food, but plants make their own food with the help of sunlight.
kid explains that plants need water and light to grow

PLANT GROWTH VOCABULARY

Soil
The upper layer of Earth where plants grow.
Clay
Stiff, sticky material found on the Earth’s surface.
Sand
Very small grains of rock.
Loam
A combination of sand, clay, minerals and dead or decaying plant material.
Observe
To notice something using your senses.
Growth
The process of increasing in size.
Light that comes from the sun.
The part of a plant that can grow into more plants.

PLANT GROWTH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How does water affect plant growth?

Plants need just the right amount of water. Too much or too little will cause the plant not to grow as well. Some plants need more water than others.

How does sunlight affect plant growth?

Plants use sunlight to make the food they need to grow. If a plant does not have any sunlight, they will lose their color and eventually die. Some plants need more light than others.

What did you notice about the plant that was given way more water than the others?

The plant that was given too much water grew a small carrot. It got too much water.

Why is loam the best soil for most plants to grow in?

Loam is a combination of sand, clay and other natural materials. It holds the water better than sand or clay.

What did you notice about the plant that was given much more light than the others?

The carrot with the most light grew the biggest. Some plants need more light than others.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to grow a healthy plant?

The plant needs good soil, and the right amount of water and light to grow best.
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