Photosynthesis for Kids

The Process of Photosynthesis for Kids Lesson Plan:

Photosynthesis might be a bit complicated, but you don’t have to discuss molecules and chemistry with a 3 year old. Begin by showing your child a new plant. Point out its’ leaves and its’ roots. Tell them that the roots drink up the water and the food in the soil to help the plant grow. Ask them what color plants are? What color are leaves? The leaves are green and they love sunshine. They use the sunlight to help them grow.  A special pigment in the plants called Chlorophyll makes the green color. Since plants can't eat food like people, they have to make their own food. Plants use the sunlight and the green chlorophyll to make their food. Plants also make oxygen for us to breathe. Plants are very important to the earth because they provide oxygen and food for all people and animals. Photosynthesis is the process that plants make their food from sunlight and water.

Let them water houseplants or outdoor plants with a small watering can. Small potted plants that are very wilted will perk up instantly after they get water which will reinforce how water helps the plants grow. You might want to rent a video about photosynthesis or rent books from your local library about plants and how they grow. If you have time, let your child take the seeds from a watermelon and plant them in a spot by the doorway. Each day, plan a time when you can water your seeds and watch their progress. After the summer (if you are lucky) you might even have a watermelon to taste the fruits of your labor.

Try these great websites to get a better understanding about the Process of Photosynthesis for Kids:

Gardening with Children(Learn about Photosynthesis for preschoolers)

The Process of Photosynthesis for Kids

Teach your child about the Process of Photosynthesis by renting these books from your local library:

The Carrot Seed 60th Anniversary Edition

Growing Vegetable Soup (Voyager Books)

How Do Apples Grow?

Great Gardens for Kids (Hamlyn Gardening S.)

Ready, Set, Grow!: A Kid's Guide to Gardening

The Process of Photosynthesis can be taught at an early age. Just start small and soon you might find that you are nurturing their minds as well as a green thumb!

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