Plants
Welcome to the chapter on Plants for Class 5. In this chapter, you will learn about different types of plants, their parts, how they grow, and why they are important for life on Earth. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to explain the uses of plants, how they make food, and how to take care of them!
Introduction
Plants are living things that grow in soil and need sunlight, water, and air to live. They are found everywhere—gardens, forests, fields, and even inside our homes. Plants are very important for all living things.
Types of Plants
- Trees: Tall and strong plants with woody stems. Example: Neem, mango, banyan.
- Shrubs: Shorter than trees, bushy with many branches. Example: Rose, hibiscus.
- Herbs: Small, soft-stemmed plants. Example: Mint, coriander.
- Climbers: Plants that need support to grow upwards. Example: Money plant, pea plant.
- Creepers: Plants that grow along the ground. Example: Pumpkin, watermelon.
Parts of a Plant
- Root: Holds the plant in the soil and absorbs water and nutrients.
- Stem: Supports the plant and carries water and food to all parts.
- Leaves: Make food for the plant by photosynthesis.
- Flower: The colorful part that helps plants make seeds.
- Fruit: Grows from flowers and contains seeds.
How Do Plants Make Food?
Plants make their own food using sunlight, water, and air. This process is called photosynthesis. Leaves use sunlight to change water and air into food.
Uses of Plants
- Give us oxygen to breathe.
- Provide food like fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
- Give us wood, paper, and medicines.
- Make our surroundings beautiful and cool.
- Help prevent soil erosion.
Taking Care of Plants
- Water plants regularly.
- Give them enough sunlight.
- Do not pluck leaves or flowers unnecessarily.
- Keep the area around plants clean.
- Protect plants from pests and diseases.
Fun Activity: Grow Your Own Plant!
Take a pot, put some soil in it, and plant a seed. Water it every day and watch it grow. Write down what you see each day!
Summary
- Plants are living things that need sunlight, water, and air.
- There are many types of plants: trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, and creepers.
- Plants make food by photosynthesis and are useful to us in many ways.
- We should take care of plants and protect them.
Practice Questions
- Name two trees and two shrubs.
- What is photosynthesis?
- Why are plants important for us?
- How can you take care of a plant?
- Name a plant that grows along the ground.
Challenge Yourself
- Draw and label the parts of a plant.
- List five things you get from plants.
Did You Know?
- The Amazon rainforest is called the "lungs of the Earth" because it has so many plants!
- Some plants, like bamboo, can grow very fast—up to 1 meter in a day!
Glossary
- Photosynthesis: The process by which plants make food using sunlight.
- Root: The part of the plant under the ground.
- Leaf: The green part that makes food for the plant.
- Fruit: The part of the plant we eat, which has seeds.
Answers to Practice Questions
- Trees: Mango, neem. Shrubs: Rose, hibiscus.
- Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make food using sunlight, water, and air.
- Plants give us oxygen, food, wood, medicines, and keep our environment clean.
- Water it, give sunlight, keep it clean, protect from pests.
- Pumpkin, watermelon (any creeper).
Plants are precious—take care of them and help them grow!