Identify the needs of a plant or animal.

SECTION 1

Why Do We Care About Living Things?

People have always taken care of plants and animals. Long ago, people learned what living things need.

Long Ago

First Farmers

People planted seeds in dirt. They gave the plants water and watched them grow!

Later

Animal Helpers

People kept dogs, chickens, and cows. They gave them food and water every day.

Even Later

Gardens and Zoos

People built gardens and zoos. They studied what plants and animals need to stay healthy.

Today

Science Helpers

Scientists help us know exactly what every plant and animal needs. We can take great care of them!

So what do living things need? Let us find out together!

SECTION 2

What Do Living Things Need?

All living things have needs. That means things they must have to live and grow. Without these things, they cannot stay healthy.

Water

All plants and animals need water to live. Water keeps them healthy inside.

Food

Animals eat food to get energy. Plants make their own food using light!

Air

Plants and animals both need air. We breathe air. Plants use air too.

Light

Plants need light to make food. Light can come from the sun or from a lamp.

Shelter

Animals need a safe place to live. That is called shelter. It keeps them warm and safe.

✦ KEY TAKEAWAY

KEY TAKEAWAY

SECTION 3

What Does a Plant Need?

Let us look at a picture of a plant. It shows everything a plant needs to grow.

This picture shows a plant. It needs water, light, air, and soil to grow big and tall.

The plant has roots in the dirt. The roots drink up water. The leaves use light and air to make food for the plant.

SECTION 4

What Does an Animal Need?

Animals have needs too. Animals cannot make their own food. They have to find food or people give it to them.

This picture shows a dog. It needs food, water, air, and shelter to be happy and healthy.

A dog eats food for energy. It drinks water every day. It breathes air. It sleeps in a safe shelter, that means a safe place to live.

Fun Fact!

SECTION 5

Plants vs. Animals: Same and Different

Plants and animals both need water and air. But some of their needs are different. Let us see how!

How plant and animal needs compare

Need	Plant 🌱	Animal 🐾
Water	Yes! Roots drink it up.	Yes! They drink it.
Air	Yes! Leaves use air.	Yes! They breathe air.
Light	Yes! They need it to make food.	Not the same way. They find food to eat.
Food	They make their own food.	They eat plants or other animals.
Shelter	They stay where they grow.	Yes! A nest, den, or house.

See? Both need water and air. But plants need light to make food. Animals need to find or eat food that is already there.

SECTION 6

Helping a Plant: Step by Step

Let us pretend you have a new plant. How do you take care of it? Follow these steps!

Step 1 — Give It SoilPut your plant in a pot with dirt. The roots will grow in the soil.

The plant has a home to grow in! ✅

Step 2 — Add WaterPour a little water on the soil. The roots will drink it up.

The plant has water! 💧 ✅

Step 3 — Find a Bright SpotPut the plant near a window or a lamp. It needs light to make food.

The plant has light! ☀️ ✅

Step 4 — Let It BreatheThe plant gets air from the room. Air is all around us.

The plant has air! 🌬️ ✅

Step 5 — Watch It Grow!Now your plant has everything it needs. It will grow bigger and taller!

Your plant is happy and healthy! 🌱🎉

SECTION 7

Taking Care of Living Things at Home

You might have a pet or a plant at home. Different living things need care in different ways. Let us compare!

Ways to help plants and animals

Living Thing	How We Help
🌻 A flower in a pot	Give it water and put it near light.
🐕 A pet dog	Give it food, water, and a cozy bed.
🐠 A pet fish	Give it food, clean water, and a tank.
🌳 A tree outside	It gets rain, light, and air on its own!

✦ KEY TAKEAWAY

KEY TAKEAWAY

SECTION 8

What Comes Next? Growing and Changing

When plants and animals get what they need, they grow! A tiny seed becomes a big plant. A puppy becomes a grown-up dog.

Now and later

What We Learn Now	What We Learn Later
Plants and animals have needs.	Plants and animals grow and change over time.
They need water, food, air, and shelter.	Different amounts of each need help them in special ways.
We can help take care of them.	We can learn how the world around them matters too.

Soon you will learn about how plants and animals change as they grow. Knowing their needs is the first step!

SECTION 9

Practice Time!

A puppy is thirsty. What does the puppy need?

A sunflower is planted in a dark closet. It is not growing well. What does the sunflower need?

A pet fish lives in a tank. Which of these does the fish need to live?

A rabbit lives outside. It needs food, water, and air. What else does the rabbit need to stay safe from rain and wind?