• Green plants produce their own energy through a process called photosynthesis.
• Photosynthesis uses light, carbon dioxide and water and creates energy while releasing oxygen.
• Green plants are the bottom of the food chain and provide much of the food it takes to support life on earth.
• Along with a few other organisms (blue green algae on the surface of the ocean, etc.), green plants also produce much of the breathable oxygen on the planet by pulling carbon dioxide out of the air and releasing oxygen.
• Plants provide ground cover to prevent soil erosion.
• Plants are silent partners. They are the most unappreciated part of our natural world. A good way to get students to understand the important role plants play in their lives is to have them do the, “Where Does It Come From?” Activity below.
Where Does it Come From? Looking at How Important Plants Really Are
Any age
Materials:
Photo-copied cards
Some samples of things made from plants to show the kids (cookies, pencil, book, cotton baseball cap, chocolate, cards, box of cereal, etc.)
Procedure:
1) For this activity photocopy the Plant Cards (2-sided). It is better to use heavier paper for 2-sided copying.
2) Cut them out.
3) Talk to students about plants and how important they are to everyday life. Ask them how they think they are affected by plants. Ask them what they had for breakfast. Explain the plants in their breakfast, i.e. cereal, toast and oatmeal are all made from grains which are plants.
4) Have the bolded items-side up. Let the kids draw cards and tell where that item comes from.
5) After they have been through them all, let them come up with their own cards!
