Plants Breathe Too

This activity is suitable for preschool and elementary school levels. Many natural processes occur very slowly or are imperceptible to the naked eye. This activity aims to help children observe existing but often unnoticed biological activities and cultivate respect for nature.

Objectives of the Activity:

leaf Direct children's interest towards nature

leaf Contribute to raising awareness about "Nature" and "Environment" among children

leaf Increase children's sensitivity towards living and non-living entities in their surroundings

leaf Enable children to acquire knowledge about plant diversity and plants

leaf Help children understand the necessity of biodiversity in ecology

leaf Instill in children the urge to defend the right to life and protect living beings

leaf Explain to children that plants are living beings with a right to life

First the Story

Ruka and Tako went for a walk in the forest. The weather was so beautiful and fresh that all the animals and even the plants were enjoying this wonderful day.

Suddenly, Tako stopped in his tracks. With wide, surprised eyes, he touched Ruka’s shoulder and...

Ruka Ruka!!! Be quiet!!! Look what's over there!!!

What’s wrong, Tako?

Can’t you see it?

Whoa, what is that?? I've never seen a creature like this before.

That’s a plant spirit, Ruka. Plant spirits are very rare. They say every plant has a spirit, but only the ones that are very, very loved become visible. Love is a very powerful force.

It’s flying so beautifully. I wonder which plant’s spirit it is? It doesn’t look like any plant I know. Also, what’s it doing here?

I couldn’t recognize it as any plant either, but I’m sure it’s enjoying the fresh air. After all, plants need air too.

What do you mean? Don’t plants only need sunlight, soil, and water?

Haha, Ruka, you surprise me sometimes. Plants are living beings too, and they need air as much as they need water.

I had no idea. Are you sure?

I'm absolutely sure. After our walk, I’ll show you with an experiment. But for now, let’s continue enjoying this beautiful weather.

Materials

Bowl Live Plant Water Natural Materials

Activity

leaf For this activity, non-broad-leaved plants are preferred. If potted plants are not available, trees in the vicinity can also be used comfortably.

leaf The timing of the activity may vary from plant to plant and season to season, but it will typically last no more than 1 day.

leaf If using a potted plant, the leaf can be used without being detached, but if it needs to be detached, it should be taken from a plant with many leaves. When removing the leaf, it should be emphasized that it could potentially harm the plant.

Plant Breathing Pathway

Firstly, ask the children if they think plants are alive or not, and discuss their answers. Emphasize that plants also have a right to life.

Fill the bowl with enough water to cover about half of it. Place the leaf in the water with its face upwards, and place a small stone on top to ensure the leaf is submerged to the bottom of the water. Place the bowl in a stable place where it won't be moved and check it regularly.

After a while, small air bubbles will form on the leaf. Observe these water bubbles and condensation. Explain how through the leaves, plants breathe and continue to produce oxygen even under water, which is a crucial natural process for us living beings (converting carbon dioxide into oxygen).

Attention!

It should be emphasized how crucial it is for us that plants breathe, not only those on land but also those in the sea need to be protected.

While explaining the importance of plants for our breathing, it can be mentioned that approximately 100 acres of rainforest are being destroyed every minute today.

It can be mentioned that a large beech tree is powerful enough to supply the daily oxygen needs of 72 people, emphasizing the importance of planting trees.

Planting a Tree

Evaluation Questions

leaf How do plants breathe?

leaf What do you think roots do for plants?

leaf If we pluck leaves or branches from plants, what might we prevent them from doing?

leaf Do you think plants have rights?

leaf How might underwater creatures breathe?