All living organisms need energy to live on earth. People get energy by eating food. But how do plants get their food? Green plants make their own food and food for us through the process of photosynthesis. Here’s a simple and fun way to introduce photosynthesis for kids. Check out more plant activities for kids!
WHAT IS PHOTOSYNTHESIS FOR KIDS
WHAT IS PHOTOSYNTHESIS?
The meaning of the word “photosynthesis” is the combination of two words, “photo” which means light, and “synthesis” which means putting together.
Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food. There are four main things plants need for photosynthesis to take place, sunlight, chlorophyll, water, and carbon dioxide gas. Plants get water from the soil when it rains and carbon dioxide from the air.
What does photosynthesis produce? Photosynthesis results in oxygen and glucose (sugar). The oxygen is released into the air. The plant uses some of the glucose and the rest is stored.
Where does photosynthesis happen? The process of photosynthesis occurs in the leaves of plants, specifically in organelles called chloroplasts. Here it is that light energy is able to be converted into chemical energy.
Chlorophyll are green pigments that give plants their green color. You will find chlorophyll in the chloroplasts and they help plants absorb the energy from the sun.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS PROCESS STEP BY STEP
Photosynthesis happens in two stages, a light dependent stage which happens during the day and a non light dependent stage which can occur at any time.
The light dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place in the chloroplasts, where light is absorbed by the chlorophyll and oxygen is produced.
The second stage is called the Calvin Cycle, and it takes place in the stoma in the leaves. It uses energy from the previous reactions to make glucose from CO2.
Photosynthesis is a great example of a chemical reaction or chemical change because new products are formed, glucose and oxygen.
WHY IS PHOTOSYNTHESIS IMPORTANT?
Without the process of photosynthesis, very few organisms could live on earth. Plants use the carbon dioxide that is a by-product of respiration and in turn release oxygen into the atmosphere for us to breath.
Photosynthesis also turns light energy into chemical energy, which provides food for us. Photosynthesis is important for all life on earth!
PLANTS FOR KIDS
Looking for more plant lesson plans? Here are few suggestions for fun plant activities that would be perfect for preschoolers and elementary kids.
Learn about the apple life cycle with these fun printable activity sheets!
Use art and craft supplies you have on hand to create your own plant with all the different parts! Learn about the different parts of a plant and the function of each.
Use a few simple supplies you have on hand to grow these cute grass heads in a cup.
Grab some leaves and find out how plants breath with this simple activity.
Learn about how water moves through the veins in a leaf.
Watching flowers grow is an amazing science lesson for kids of all ages. Find out what are easy flowers to grow!
See up close how a seed grows and what would actually be happening under the ground with a seed germination jar.
Use this seed bomb recipe and make them as a gift or even for Earth Day.
LEARN ABOUT PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Click here to get your printable photosynthesis worksheet!
SUPPLIES:
- Photosynthesis Worksheet
- Markers
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Blank paper
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Print out the photosynthesis worksheet and color it in.
STEP 2: Cut out the pieces of the diagram.
STEP 3: Glue the pieces in the appropriate place on another piece of paper to display the photosynthesis process.
SIMPLE STEPS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS FOR KIDS
Click on the image below or on the link to check out tons more fun science activities for kids.
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