Plants and Soils

Big ideas

1. Plants have a life cycle.

2. Plant parts have specific functions.

3. Soil has properties such as color, texture, and capacity to hold water, which may promote the growth of some plants and hinder the growth of others.

NC Standards

3.L.2 Understand how plants survive in their environments.

3.L.2.1 Remember the function of the following plant structures as it relates to the survival of plants in their environments: 

• Roots – absorb nutrients

• Stems – provide support 

• Leaves – synthesize food 

• Flowers – attract pollinators and produce seeds for reproduction. 

3.L.2.2 Explain how environmental conditions determine how well plants survive and grow.

3.L.2.3 Summarize the distinct stages of the life cycle of seed plants.

3.L.2.4 Explain how the basic properties (texture and capacity to hold water) and components (sand, clay and humus) of soil determine the ability of soil to support the growth and survival of many plants

Essential Questions

• How do plants survive in their environments? (3.L.1, 3.L.2.2)

• How do the structures of plants support their functions? (3.L.2.1)

• How does soil impact the growth and development of plants? (3.L.2.4)

• How would you describe the life cycle of a seed plant? (3.L.2.3)

Essential Vocabulary

Family Trip Ideas Connected to This Unit