5th Grade Science : Argue that plants need air/water to grow

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 5th Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Argue That Plants Need Air/Water To Grow

Plants and trees can grow in a wide variety of environments. Whether they grow in the desert or the rainforest, they all have one thing in common, air and water are necessary for life and growth. Depending on the plant's adaptations, the amount of water needed to survive varies. Some plants, like those in the desert, need very little water to grow. Plants primarily get the materials for growth from the air and water. Sunlight provides the energy that is required to create food through photosynthesis. We often see plants in soil, but it isn't necessary for growth.

Hydroponics is a system of growing plants without soil. Nutrients are added to water and delivered directly through a plant's roots. Plants do not gain anything from the earth itself; they absorb nutrients from within the soil. If those nutrients are added to the water, and the plant is in the open air, then the soil is not needed. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. Hydroponics come in numerous forms: the plants can be hung vertically, and the roots are sprayed, or roots may be submerged in water through a series of tubs, containers, or even coconut husks!

Why is air so important for a plant's growth?

Possible Answers:

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air to use during photosynthesis.

Air is absorbed into the roots of the plants to provide the necessary oxygen.

Air is not essential for a plant's growth; they can live without it.

Plants breathe oxygen that they absorb from the air.

Correct answer:

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air to use during photosynthesis.

Explanation:

Air is vital to a plant's growth and survival. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. Without air, plants would not be able to create glucose and would die. They must have access to carbon dioxide to survive.

Example Question #1 : Life Science

Plants and trees can grow in a wide variety of environments. Whether they grow in the desert or the rainforest, they all have one thing in common, air and water are necessary for life and growth. Depending on the plant’s adaptations, the amount of water needed to survive varies. Some plants, like those in the desert, need very little water to grow. Plants primarily get the materials for growth from the air and water. Sunlight provides the energy that is required to create food through photosynthesis. We often see plants in soil, but it isn’t necessary for growth.

Hydroponics is a system of growing plants without soil. Nutrients are added to water and delivered directly through a plant’s roots. Plants do not gain anything from the earth itself; they absorb nutrients from within the soil. If those nutrients are added to the water, and the plant is in the open air, then the soil is not needed. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. Hydroponics come in numerous forms: the plants can be hung vertically, and the roots are sprayed, or roots may be submerged in water through a series of tubs, containers, or even coconut husks!

Why is water important to a plant's survival?

Possible Answers:

Water transports nutrients to plants and keeps them cool during transpiration.

Water is necessary to clean the plants and keep predators off of them.

Water is not crucial to a plant's survival or growth.

Water soaks into the plant and provides it with the carbon dioxide needed.

Correct answer:

Water transports nutrients to plants and keeps them cool during transpiration.

Explanation:

Water is one of just a few things plants need to survive. Water supports the transportation of nutrients, from the soil up into the structures of the plant, is used in the process of photosynthesis, helps keep plants standing stiff and upright and not wilted or droopy, and water helps keep plants cool as it evaporates from the leaves. If plants do not have access to water, they will not absorb the nutrients needed to grow.

Example Question #2 : Argue That Plants Need Air/Water To Grow

A few students in a science lab are arguing about a plant's needs for survival.

Logan: "Plants only need air to grow and survive."

Sophia: "Plants need both water and air to grow and survive."

Bryce: "Plants only need water to grow and survive."

Topanga: "Plants do not need water or air to grow and survive."

Which student is correct and why?

Possible Answers:

Logan is correct because plants need air in order to get carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

Sophia is correct because plants need air to get carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and water for hydration and nutrients.

Topanga is correct because plants do not need air or water to survive; they need soil and sunlight.

Bryce is correct because plants need water for hydration and nutrients.

Correct answer:

Sophia is correct because plants need air to get carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and water for hydration and nutrients.

Explanation:

Sophia is correct in the argument about a plant's needs for survival. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. Water supports the transportation of nutrients, from the soil up into the structures of the plant, is used in the process of photosynthesis, helps keep plants standing stiff and upright and not wilted or droopy, and water helps keep plants cool as it evaporates from the leaves. Water and air are vital to a plant's growth and survival.

Example Question #1 : Life Science

Plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

The statement provided is true. Plants need sunlight for the process of photosynthesis but the materials they need for growth primarily come from water and air. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. Water supports the transportation of nutrients, from the soil up into the structures of the plant, is used in the process of photosynthesis, helps keep plants standing stiff and upright and not wilted or droopy, and water helps keep plants cool as it evaporates from the leaves.

Example Question #2 : Life Science

Plants and trees can grow in a wide variety of environments. Whether they grow in the desert or the rainforest, they all have one thing in common, air and water are necessary for life and growth. Depending on the plant’s adaptations, the amount of water needed to survive varies. Some plants, like those in the desert, need very little water to grow. Plants primarily get the materials for growth from the air and water. Sunlight provides the energy that is required to create food through photosynthesis. We often see plants in soil, but it isn’t necessary for growth.

Hydroponics is a system of growing plants without soil. Nutrients are added to water and delivered directly through a plant’s roots. Plants do not gain anything from the earth itself; they absorb nutrients from within the soil. If those nutrients are added to the water, and the plant is in the open air, then the soil is not needed. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. Hydroponics come in numerous forms: the plants can be hung vertically, and the roots are sprayed, or roots may be submerged in water through a series of tubs, containers, or even coconut husks!

What three things help a plant to grow?

Possible Answers:

Air, water, and sunlight

Soil, air, and water

Sunlight, soil, and water

Water, soil, and photosynthesis

Correct answer:

Air, water, and sunlight

Explanation:

Water, air, and sunlight are the most important things that a plant needs for growth. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, which is powered by sunlight. Water supports the transportation of nutrients, from the soil up into the structures of the plant, is used in the process of photosynthesis, helps keep plants standing stiff and upright and not wilted or droopy, and water helps keep plants cool as it evaporates from the leaves. Soil is not necessary if the water is nutrient-rich.

Example Question #6 : Growth Needs Of Plants

True or False: For a seed to germinate, it must receive an adequate amount of water.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

The statement "For a seed to germinate, it must receive an adequate amount of water." is true. The seed is a small part of a plant and contains the embryo, a tiny new plant. If this seed has the right conditions, including an adequate amount of water, it will germinate, and a new plant will sprout. Without water, the seed will not grow, and no new plants will form.

Example Question #7 : Growth Needs Of Plants

Plants must have water to grow. What structure of the plant absorbs water?

Possible Answers:

Leaves

Flower

Stem

Roots

Correct answer:

Roots

Explanation:

Humans and animals take in water by drinking it with their mouths. Plants need water but do not have the same structures or parts as humans and animals. The roots of a plant absorb moisture from the soil to hydrate the plant. If the roots are damaged and cannot absorb water, the plant will not survive.

Example Question #11 : Life Science

What purpose(s) does air serve for plants?

Possible Answers:

Plants need air for the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

Plants do not need air to survive because they cannot breathe.

Plants need air to fill their lungs and create carbon dioxide.

Plants need air for the process of deposition and interrogation.

Correct answer:

Plants need air for the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

Explanation:

In photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and combine it with water absorbed through their roots. They use energy from sunlight to turn these ingredients into carbohydrates (sugars) and oxygen, and they release extra oxygen to the air. Plants need oxygen to survive, and plant cells are continually using oxygen. Respiration in plants is the process of cells releasing energy for their use by breaking down sugars and using up oxygen. Plants need oxygen for the two functions to run efficiently.

Example Question #1 : Argue That Plants Need Air/Water To Grow

A group of students had two identical trays of soil, each with ten tomato seedlings planted in them. Tray A was placed in the dark. Tray B was placed in direct sunlight. Both trays were given the same amount of water. After four weeks, the students observed both trays. Which tray of seedlings will have the most growth?

Possible Answers:

Neither tray will have any growth because they did not add fertilizer, which plants need.

Tray A will have had more growth because plants grow best in dark environments.

Both of the trays will have the same growth because they both received equal amounts of water.

Tray B will have had more growth because plants need sunlight to grow.

Correct answer:

Tray B will have had more growth because plants need sunlight to grow.

Explanation:

In this scenario, the plants with the most growth would be the plants in tray B. The plants in tray B received not only water (which plants must have to survive) but also sunlight. Plants need sunlight for the process of photosynthesis. If plants do not have access to air and sunlight, they cannot make their food and survive. The plants in tray A were deprived of sunlight, so they will not have as much growth as tray B.

Example Question #1 : Growth Needs Of Plants

Patrick removes the roots from his plant. Which plant activity will be affected the most?

Possible Answers:

Finding nutrients

Reproduction

Making food

Getting water

Correct answer:

Getting water

Explanation:

Plants' roots are vital to the absorption of water. The roots of the plant not only hold it in place to keep it steady, but they also absorb moisture from the soil. If the roots are removed, there will be nothing to absorb and hold water leaving the plant dehydrated and unable to survive.

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