Cotton plants give us cotton that we can turn into clothes. Socks made of cotton are comfortable to wear. Plants provide us with wood. The wood is used to make furniture, paper, doors, floors and many other things. 46 Hands-on Science Primary 2
Wild mushrooms are poisonous, thus they are not edible. Remember to wear gloves when working with this plant in the garden. Hogweed can cause skin and eye irritation. The skin rash may look like a burn and can leave scars. Do you know the plants that are harmful to us? Stinging nettle causes a painful sting and sometimes an itch when you touch it. Leadwort causes redness or skin irritation when we touch it. Basic Needs and Protection of Plants Chapter 3 47
3.4 Caring for Plants If you have houseplants at home, do you know how to take care of them? Fertilize your plants every few weeks. Fertilizer supplies nutrients that the plants need to grow well. Cut off any dead or diseased parts of the plants. This is to avoid plant disease from spreading quickly throughout the whole plant. Water your plants regularly. Give the right amounts of water to your plants. Make sure the soil is moist without being muddy. Give your plants plenty of light. Your plants need light and warmth to stay alive. 48 Hands-on Science Primary 2
Fill in the blanks. 1. Plants need , , and nutrients. 2. Without much water, plants will . 3. Plants use sunlight to make . 4. Without air, plants will . 5. Plants absorb nutrients from the to grow healthily. 6. Roses have sharp that can hurt our skin. 7. Some plants produce that can cause itchiness. 8. plants are harmful to us. 9. We use plants as food, materials for , buildings and furniture. 10. We need to take of plants. latex food water wilt thorns soil clothing sunlight air die poisonous care Let’s Scan Basic Needs and Protection of Plants Chapter 3 49
Map It Out A substance that contains nutrients for plants Fertilizer A white liquid produced by many plants, especially rubber trees Latex A painful or sore feeling in a part of the body Irritation A substance that is needed for healthy growth Nutrient Explain It Online QuickQuiz Water Sunlight Air Nutrients • Sharp thorns or spines • Thick and hard skin • Latex • Poison • Bad or strong smell Useful and harmful Taking care Protection Basic needs and protection of plants Needs 50 Hands-on Science Primary 2
STEM Activity My food tower We should eat different groups of food at each meal for growth and good health. You and your team are required to build a ‘food tower’ of one meal. This ‘food tower’ represents the energy you need. Your ‘food tower’ must be composed of the three main food groups and has to stand upright. Suggested materials: Food Toothpicks • What is the aim of this activity? • What do you need to know to get started? • What are the features that you want to have in designing the ‘food tower’? • Would these features allow your ‘food tower’ to stay upright? ASK STEM Activity 111
• What are your possible solutions? • In your opinion, which is the best solution? • Other than the materials suggested, what other materials do you need? List them and prepare them. • Draw a design that you think is the best solution. IMAGINE PLAN 112 Hands-on Science Primary 2
• Build your model based on the design in the planning stage. • Test whether it works well. • Write down what you observe. • If it does not work well, how can you modify it to make it better? • Test it again. • What is your conclusion about your improved version? Present the process of making the ‘food tower’ by taking pictures. Then, share it with your classmates using a PowerPoint presentation. CREATE IMPROVE PRESENT STEM Activity 113
STEM Activity Super tall shadow A shadow is the dark area when a light source is blocked by an opaque object. The Sun casts shadows but the shadows change throughout the day. Place a small doll in the Sun. Observe the shadow of the doll. You are required to make a one-meter tall shadow of the doll. Suggested materials: Small doll Sticky tape Meter ruler or measuring tape • What is the aim of this activity? • What do you need to know to get started? • How do you produce a one-meter tall shadow using a doll? ASK 114 Hands-on Science Primary 2
• What are your possible solutions? • In your opinion, which is the best solution? • Other than the materials suggested, what other materials do you need? List them and prepare them. • Draw a design that you think is the best solution. IMAGINE PLAN STEM Activity 115
• List out your steps in building your model based on the design in the planning stage. • Test whether it works well. • Write down what you observe. • If it does not work well, how can you modify it to make it better? • Test it again. • What is your conclusion about your improved version? Take a picture of your finished finding and share the process of your work with your classmates via a PowerPoint presentation. CREATE IMPROVE PRESENT 116 Hands-on Science Primary 2