Section 1
Plants Transform Sunlight Into Food
Through photosynthesis, plants combine sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create sugars. Chlorophyll in leaves captures light energy, while oxygen releases as a waste product of this process.
In this Grade 4 lesson from Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 1, students explore how plants are classified by their structures and reproductive methods, learning key terms such as roots, stems, photosynthesis, stomata, transpiration, and spores. Students discover how roots, stems, and leaves work together to help plants obtain water and produce food through photosynthesis, and they compare plants that reproduce by seeds versus spores. Hands-on leaf observation activities reinforce scientific skills like making predictions, recording data, and drawing inferences.
Section 1
Plants Transform Sunlight Into Food
Through photosynthesis, plants combine sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create sugars. Chlorophyll in leaves captures light energy, while oxygen releases as a waste product of this process.
Section 2
Roots and Stems Support Plant Survival
Roots absorb water and nutrients while anchoring plants in soil. Tiny root hairs increase absorption. Stems transport materials throughout the plant and provide structural support, either as woody or nonwoody types.
Section 3
Leaves Exchange Gases Through Tiny Openings
Stomata on leaf undersides allow carbon dioxide to enter for photosynthesis and oxygen to exit. These openings also control water loss through transpiration, closing when water is scarce.
Section 4
Seedless Plants Reproduce Using Spores
Mosses and ferns produce spores in protective cases instead of seeds. When released, these single cells can grow into new plants if they land in areas with enough light, water, and nutrients.
Section 5
Humans Use Plant Parts For Many Purposes
People eat various plant parts including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Plants also provide medicine, building materials, fuel, and fibers for clothing like cotton.
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Section 1
Plants Transform Sunlight Into Food
Through photosynthesis, plants combine sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create sugars. Chlorophyll in leaves captures light energy, while oxygen releases as a waste product of this process.
Section 2
Roots and Stems Support Plant Survival
Roots absorb water and nutrients while anchoring plants in soil. Tiny root hairs increase absorption. Stems transport materials throughout the plant and provide structural support, either as woody or nonwoody types.
Section 3
Leaves Exchange Gases Through Tiny Openings
Stomata on leaf undersides allow carbon dioxide to enter for photosynthesis and oxygen to exit. These openings also control water loss through transpiration, closing when water is scarce.
Section 4
Seedless Plants Reproduce Using Spores
Mosses and ferns produce spores in protective cases instead of seeds. When released, these single cells can grow into new plants if they land in areas with enough light, water, and nutrients.
Section 5
Humans Use Plant Parts For Many Purposes
People eat various plant parts including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Plants also provide medicine, building materials, fuel, and fibers for clothing like cotton.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter