What living things need — Science, 4–6 years
Plants and animals are alive, but they cannot live without certain things. Looking at their needs helps us understand why they grow, move and change.
Food, water and air
Living things need water and air, and animals need food for energy. Plants need light to make their own food, as well as water and air. They also need a suitable place to live, where they can grow and stay safe.
Why learn about needs?
A plant that lacks water may droop, and an animal without food becomes weak. Long ago, people learned by watching living things and caring for them. Knowing what a living thing needs helps us look after it instead of treating every problem as a mystery.
Two bean seeds
Put one bean seed on damp cotton by a sunny window, and put another on dry cotton. Check both after three days. The first may show a root, while the second may not. The fair conclusion is that water helped this seed start growing; one test does not answer every question.
Plants are not just decorations
Because plants do not run around or ask for food, it is reasonable to think they do not need much. But they are alive and respond slowly to light, water and temperature. A quiet change, such as a drooping stem, is still a sign that something matters.
Caring for a living thing
When you care for a pet, you provide food, water, air, a clean place and rest. When you grow a plant, you give it water and enough light, but not unlimited water. Looking for these needs helps you care wisely rather than simply doing more.
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