Plant Power: What Plants Need to Grow!

Science Grades 2nd Grade 1:03 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about the 5 essential things plants need to survive and grow big and strong! We'll explore water, soil, space, sunlight, and air using a fun song and engaging activities.

Video Resource

The Needs of a Plant (song for kids about 5 things plants need to live)

Harry Kindergarten Music

Duration: 1:03
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Plants need water to grow.
  • Plants need soil to grow.
  • Plants need space to grow.
  • Plants need sunlight to grow.
  • Plants need air to grow.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the five basic needs of plants (water, soil, space, sunlight, and air).
  • Students will be able to explain why each of these needs is important for plant growth.
  • Students will be able to describe how they can help plants meet their needs.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think plants need to live. Write their ideas on the board. Introduce the video and explain that it will teach them about the five things plants need.
  • Watch the Video (3 mins)
    Play the Harry Kindergarten Music video, "The Needs of a Plant." Encourage students to sing along and pay attention to the five needs mentioned in the song.
  • Discussion (7 mins)
    After the video, review the five needs of plants: water, soil, space, sunlight, and air. Discuss each one in more detail. Ask students why they think each need is important for plant growth.
  • Activity: Planting Seeds (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with small pots, soil, seeds (beans or peas work well), and water. Guide students in planting the seeds, ensuring they understand the importance of each step (putting soil in the pot, planting the seed, watering it gently). Discuss where they will place the plants to ensure they receive sunlight and space to grow.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the five needs of plants. Ask students how they can help take care of the plants they planted. Remind them to observe their plants regularly and record any changes they see.

Interactive Exercises

  • Plant Needs Chart
    Create a chart with the five needs of plants listed across the top (Water, Soil, Space, Sunlight, Air). Have students draw or write examples of how plants get each of these needs in the corresponding columns. For example, under 'Water,' they could draw rain or a watering can.
  • Plant Observation Journal
    Have students create a simple journal where they can record their observations of the plants they planted. They can draw pictures, write about the plant's growth, and note any changes they see over time. This reinforces the connection between the plant's needs and its growth.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some things that all plants need to survive?
  • Why is water important for plants?
  • What does soil do for plants?
  • Why do plants need space to grow?
  • How does sunlight help plants?
  • Why is air important for plants?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Inquiry
  • Following Instructions

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is one thing plants need to drink to grow?

Correct Answer: Water

Question 2:

What holds the plant in the ground and gives it food?

Correct Answer: Soil

Question 3:

Plants need _________ to have room to grow.

Correct Answer: Space

Question 4:

What does the sun give plants to help them live?

Correct Answer: Light

Question 5:

Plants need __________ to breathe.

Correct Answer: Air

Question 6:

Which of these is NOT something a plant needs?

Correct Answer: Toys

Question 7:

Why do plants need space?

Correct Answer: To grow big and strong

Question 8:

What helps plants make their own food?

Correct Answer: Sunlight

Question 9:

What will happen if a plant doesn't get enough water?

Correct Answer: It will dry out and die

Question 10:

Where can plants get air from?

Correct Answer: Everywhere around us

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Plants need __________ to drink.

Correct Answer: water

Question 2:

__________ helps hold the plant in place and gives it food.

Correct Answer: soil

Question 3:

Plants need __________ to grow big and strong.

Correct Answer: space

Question 4:

The __________ gives plants light to help them live.

Correct Answer: sun

Question 5:

Plants need __________ to breathe, just like us!

Correct Answer: air

Question 6:

If a plant doesn't get enough __________ it will dry out.

Correct Answer: water

Question 7:

We can plant seeds in ___________ to help them grow.

Correct Answer: soil

Question 8:

Sunlight gives plants ___________ to make their own food.

Correct Answer: light

Question 9:

The song said plants need 5 __________ to stay alive.

Correct Answer: things

Question 10:

Make sure your plant has enough __________ to grow to its full size.

Correct Answer: space

Educational Standards

2.LS2.1:[Standard] Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow. 2.LS4.1:[Standard] Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Teaching Materials

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