Plant Needs and Functions

Kristen and Sara from the Garden Project introduce the first lesson on plant needs using the acronym PLANTS. They explain each letter: P for Place, L for Light, A for Air, N for Nutrients, T for Thirsty (water), and S for Soil. Each need is discussed with examples and hand motions to engage students. The lesson concludes with a review and encourages students to create skits or songs about plant needs.

What does the acronym PLA NTS represent in the lesson?

• Different colors of plants

• Different types of plants

• Different needs of plants

• Different parts of a plant

Why do plants need a safe place to grow?

• To stay away from animals

• To grow big and strong

• To avoid sunlight

• To change colors

How do plants use light?

• To change their color

• To make their own food

• To grow taller

• To produce seeds

What is the process called when plants use light to make food?

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Transpiration

• Germination

What gas do humans exhale that plants need?

• Nitrogen

• Hydrogen

• Carbon Dioxide

• Oxygen

Where do plants get their nutrients from?

• The rain

• The sun

• The soil

• The air

What happens to plants if they don't get enough water?

• They become thirsty

• They change color

• They grow faster

• They produce more seeds

What is the role of soil for plants?

• To keep plants warm

• To hold plants down and provide nutrients

• To provide light

• To help plants breathe

What is the hand motion for demonstrating the need for light?

• Making a roof over your head

• Making a giant sun above your head

• Touching your toes

• Grabbing a huge air bubble

What creative activity are students encouraged to do?

• Build a model of a plant

• Draw a picture of a plant

• Write a story about a plant

• Create a skit or song about plant needs