What is Photosynthesis?

For elementary school students

I had lunch with a friend of mine yesterday, and she told me how many people she’s met who don’t understand or remember photosynthesis. Many adults vaguely remember hearing the word, but not how it works or why it matters. I don’t know about you, but I first learned about it back in elementary school. No wonder many adults don’t remember! That’s a big deal, because photosynthesis–a biological “magic trick–is at the heart of life on Earth.

🌞 Here’s How Photosynthesis Works:

Sunlight shines on the plant.
The plant uses its leaves to catch the sunlight.
The plant takes in carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas in the air) through tiny holes, called pores, in its leaves.
The plant’s roots suck up water from the ground.
Inside the leaves, the plant mixes the sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food (sugar).

🌬️ And as a bonus of photosynthesis, the plant gives off oxygen — the air we need to breathe!

Plants Don’t Just Make Oxygen—They Clean the Air Too!

Plants don’t just take in carbon dioxide—they can also soak up other yucky stuff in the air.

Some things in our homes, like plastic, soap, softeners, and even carpet cleaner, can let out tiny invisible gases. These gases can be bad for our health.

But guess what? Plants can help get rid of them!

They act like little air cleaners, making the air safer to breathe.

🌻 So basically, plants are like tiny chefs using sunshine to cook up food — and they act like little air cleaners, too!!

Don’t miss our photosynthesis coloring page for kids!