Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic concepts of how plants use water and carbon dioxide to make food through a simple chemical process called photosynthesis.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed: a small potted plant, water, a clear plastic bag, and a sunny window.

Prep: Ensure the plant is well-watered and healthy before the lesson.

Activities

1. Watering the Plant: Explain to the student that plants need water to survive. Have the student water the plant and observe how the water is absorbed by the plant's roots.

2. Photosynthesis Experiment: Place the clear plastic bag over a leaf of the plant and secure it with a rubber band. Put the plant in a sunny window and explain that the bag will collect water vapor released by the plant during photosynthesis. Check the bag after a few hours to see the condensation.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Plants need water to drink, just like us. When we water the plant, it goes to the roots and helps the plant grow."
• "Plants make their own food using sunlight. It's like the plant is having a sunny picnic and making its own snacks!"
• "Plants release water into the air. That's like the plant taking a little breath and saying, 'Here, have some water!'