Grade 3 Environmental Activities Environment And Its Resources β Plants Notes
Environmental Activities β Environment and Its Resources
Subtopic: Plants π±
What is a plant?
A plant is a living thing that grows from the ground. Plants make their own food. They help people, animals and the Earth.
Parts of a plant
- Roots β stay underground and drink water π§
- Stem β holds the plant up and carries water
- Leaves β make food using sunlight βοΈ
- Flower β makes seeds and sometimes fruit πΈπ
- Seed β grows into a new plant
What plants need
- Sunlight (light from the sun) βοΈ
- Water (rain or watering) π§
- Soil (dirt) to hold roots
- Air (carbon dioxide and oxygen)
Why plants are important for Kenya
- Food: maize, beans, vegetables, fruits (mangoes, bananas) feed our families.
- Jobs: tea and coffee farms give work to many people in highlands.
- Shade & cooling: trees give shade and make places cool in towns and villages.
- Soil protection: tree roots stop soil being washed away (less erosion).
- Homes & medicine: many animals live in trees; some plants are used as medicines.
Examples of Kenyan plants
- Maize (corn) β a common food crop π½
- Tea & coffee β grown on highlands βοΈ
- Coconut & palm β common near the coast π₯₯
- Acacia & Baobab β trees in savanna and dry areas π³
- Mango & banana β fruit trees in many homes π₯π
How to care for plants β simple steps for kids
- Choose a seed or seedling (bean, maize, tomato).
- Pick a sunny spot or a pot with good soil.
- Plant the seed, water gently, and watch it grow.
- Water regularly but do not flood the soil.
- Keep weeds away and protect from animals.
Fun activities (try at school or home)
- Plant a bean in a clear cup: watch roots and stem grow. Draw daily. π±
- Leaf rubbing: put a leaf under paper and rub with a crayon β make art. π
- Make a mini garden box for vegetables and share with family. π₯
- Count trees on your street. Which ones give the most shade?
Activity: Plant a bean (step-by-step)
What you need: bean seed, soil, small cup, water, sunlight.
- Fill the cup 2/3 with soil.
- Press a hole and put one bean inside. Cover with soil.
- Water a little every two days. Put in a sunny place.
- Watch: in a few days the seed will sprout. Draw what you see each day.
Short questions (Practice)
- What do plants need to make food? (Answer: Sunlight, water, soil/air)
- Name two Kenyan plants. (Answer: maize, tea, mango, coconut...)
- How do trees help prevent soil erosion? (Answer: Roots hold soil)
Remember
Plants are friends of the Earth. Take care of them and they will take care of us. ππ