A Kids Guide to Photosynthesis

Living things are generally divided into two categories: plants and animals. For both plants and animals to survive, they need several things. Food is one of the common things that both plants and animals need in order to grow, be strong, and remain healthy. However, unlike animals and humans, plants cannot move around in search of food and do not have hands, mouths, or teeth for eating. So how do plants eat if they do not have all these? Plants, including trees, grass, and flowers, make their own food through a special process known as photosynthesis. In this way, they get the important nutrients that they require for healthy growth. It is important to learn what photosynthesis works so that you can understand what makes plants so unique.

What Is Photosynthesis?

Simply put, photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make their own food. This big word can be broken down into two words: "photo," which means light, and "synthesis," which means putting together. From the two smaller words, it's clear that the process involves plants using light to join things together. This process takes place in the leaves of green plants and trees. Using sunlight, plants synthesize nutrients from water and carbon dioxide and produce oxygen as a byproduct.

What Is Needed for Photosynthesis?

In order for photosynthesis to occur, plants need certain ingredients and conditions. The first one is chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green. The chemical that is essential for photosynthesis is produced naturally by all green plants. Plants also need carbon dioxide, a colorless gas that occurs naturally in the air around us. Water is also absorbed from the soil by the roots and transported to the leaves, where it is used as a raw material during the process. Both natural and artificial light are usable for this process, but natural light has UV properties that are helpful to plants. Lastly, plants need nutrients and minerals that they absorb from the soil and transport to their leaves. If one of these ingredients is not present, photosynthesis will not take place.

Steps of Photosynthesis

The first step involves carbon dioxide in the atmosphere entering the leaves of the plant through small pores known as stomata. Next, water is absorbed by the roots from the soil and transported to the leaves through a complex system in the stem. Third, chlorophyll, the green pigment found in the leaves, traps the energy in the sunlight that falls on the surface of the leaves. The energy obtained from light is used to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen obtained from this process is combined with carbon dioxide to make food for the plant. Excess oxygen is released through stomata into the atmosphere as waste.

The Photosynthesis Process
Overview of Photosynthesis
How Photosynthesis Works: Plants use photosynthesis to make glucose, a type of sugar.
How Plants Absorb Carbon Dioxide for Photosynthesis
Interesting Photosynthesis Facts
How Photosynthesis Takes Place in Oceans

Photosynthesis Games and Activities

Photosynthesis is a complex process, making it quite challenging to learn. The good news is that there are numerous games and activities that can make the process easier and more fun. Some types of helpful games and activities include drawing exercises, quizzes, experiments, and practical activities like taking care of plants as they grow.