S2.1.5 For the adult
Leaves make food
How does a plant get its food?
What this chapter teaches
Green leaves use sunlight, water and a gas from the air to make sugar, which is the plant's food, and they give out oxygen. Soil gives water and minerals, not food. Animals cannot make food, so their food starts with plants or with tiny living things in water.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- In your own words, what goes into a leaf and what comes out?
- A plant sits in a dark cupboard for a long time. What do you think happens to its food making, and why?
- How could an animal that eats only meat still depend on plants?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain that green leaves use sunlight, air and water to make food
- Explain why animals depend on plants for food
What they copy into their notebook
Leaves use sunlight, water and a gas from air to make sugar. Sugar is the plant's food. Leaves give out oxygen. Soil gives water, not food. Animals eat plants, or animals that ate plants.