Spring Math & Reading — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Photosynthesis produces glucose (food) and releases oxygen as a byproduct.
2. The green pigment chlorophyll in leaves absorbs sunlight energy needed for photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll gives plants their green color and captures light energy for photosynthesis.
3. After a long winter sleep called hibernation, bears and groundhogs emerge in spring to find food.
Hibernation is a state of reduced metabolic activity during winter. Animals emerge in spring when food returns.
4. In spring, many bird species migrate north to their breeding grounds after spending winter in warmer areas.
Migration is seasonal movement. Many birds fly south in fall and return north in spring to nest.
5. A seed first absorbs water, then the outer coat splits as the root pushes down during germination.
Germination begins when a seed absorbs water. The radicle (root) grows down, the shoot grows up.
6. Bees transfer pollen from one flower to another, helping plants reproduce.
Pollen contains the male reproductive cells of a plant. Bees carry it between flowers during pollination.
7. After pollination and fertilization, a flower develops into a fruit that contains seeds.
After fertilization, the ovary of a flower develops into a fruit that protects and disperses seeds.
8. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are all examples of pollinators that help plants reproduce.
Pollinators transfer pollen between flowers. Without them, most flowering plants could not reproduce.
9. The warming of soil and longer days in spring trigger insects to become more active.
Insects are ectothermic (cold-blooded). Warmer temperatures and longer days signal them to become active.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Germination
→ A seed absorbs water and sprouts its first root and shoot
Plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into food
Pollination
→ Bees carry pollen between flowers so plants can make seeds
Bees carry pollen between flowers so plants can make seeds
Photosynthesis
→ Plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into food
Birds fly north in spring to nest and raise their young
Migration
→ Birds fly north in spring to nest and raise their young
A seed absorbs water and sprouts its first root and shoot
Germination=seed sprouts root/shoot(idx3); Pollination=bees carry pollen(idx1); Photosynthesis=sunlight converts water+CO2(idx0); Migration=birds fly north(idx2)