Plants and Their Needs — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each item into the correct category.
Helps a Seed Grow
soilsunlightwater Does NOT Help a Seed Grow
rocksmetalplastic Soil holds roots, sunlight gives warmth and energy, and water wakes up the seed. Rocks, metal, and plastic are lifeless materials that cannot feed a growing seed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A tiny seed can grow into a big plant.
A seed is a small package that holds everything a baby plant needs to start growing, so even a tiny seed can grow into a huge plant.
2. Seeds need water and warmth to begin to sprout.
Water softens the hard seed coat and wakes up the baby plant inside, which is why dry seeds just sit still until they get wet.
3. Plants grow their roots down into the soil.
Roots dig into soil because that is where they find water and nutrients, and the soil also holds the plant steady so it does not fall over.
4. The root of a plant is the first part to grow from a seed.
The root grows first so it can anchor the plant and quickly start soaking up water before the stem and leaves appear.
5. After the root grows, a tiny stem pushes up through the soil.
Once the root is set, the stem shoots upward toward the light so it can later carry water up and hold leaves in the sun.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A seed needs water to start growing.
True False
True — water is one of the main signals that tells a seed to wake up and begin sprouting, which is why gardeners water new seeds right away.
2. Seeds can grow without any soil or dirt.
True False
False — most seeds need soil because it gives their roots something to grip and the nutrients they need to build strong stems and leaves.
3. Warmth from the sun helps seeds sprout.
True False
True — cozy warmth gives seeds the gentle heat they need to crack open and start growing, which is why spring is planting time.
4. All seeds look exactly the same.
True False
False — seeds come in many shapes, sizes, and colors; an acorn, an apple seed, and a coconut all look completely different from each other.