Science / EVS -- Class 3

Topic: Plants Around Us
Name: ____________________________Class: 3Date: ________________
Learning Objectives
Let Us Begin!

Look outside your window. Can you see any plants? Maybe a big neem tree, a small tulsi plant, or some green grass?

Plants are everywhere -- in our gardens, parks, schools, and even on the roadside. They give us food, fresh air, and shade.

Let us learn about the wonderful world of plants around us!

Parts of a Plant

Every plant has important parts. Each part does a special job.

PartWhat It Does
RootHolds the plant in the soil and takes in water and minerals
StemCarries water from the roots to the leaves; holds the plant upright
LeafMakes food for the plant using sunlight, air, and water
FlowerThe colourful part that makes seeds; attracts butterflies and bees
FruitGrows from the flower and has seeds inside
SeedGrows into a new plant when put in soil and watered

Think about it: When you eat a mango, can you find the seed inside? That seed can grow into a new mango tree!

Types of Plants

Plants come in different shapes and sizes. We group them into three types:

1. Trees -- Very tall and big. They have a thick, hard stem called a trunk. They live for many years.

Examples: Neem, Banyan, Mango, Peepal, Coconut.

2. Shrubs -- Shorter than trees. They have thin, hard stems that branch out near the ground.

Examples: Rose, Hibiscus (gudhal), Mehendi, Lemon.

3. Herbs -- Very small and soft plants. They have green, tender stems.

Examples: Tulsi, Mint (pudina), Coriander (dhaniya), Wheat, Rice.

Look at the plants in your school garden. Can you tell which ones are trees, shrubs, and herbs?

Why Are Plants Important?
Key Words and Meanings
WordMeaning
RootThe part of the plant that grows under the soil
StemThe part that holds the plant up and carries water
TrunkThe thick, hard stem of a tree
HerbA small plant with a soft, green stem
ShrubA medium plant with thin, hard stems branching near the ground
OxygenThe fresh air that plants give us and we need to breathe

Science / EVS -- Class 3 (continued)

Topic: Plants Around Us -- Key Points and Practice
Key Points to Remember
Examples from Daily Life
Example 1: Plants at Home

Amma grows tulsi and pudina in small pots on the balcony. Tulsi is a herb because it is small and has a soft stem. She uses tulsi leaves to make kadha when someone has a cold.

Example 2: Plants at School

There is a big banyan tree in the school playground. Children sit under it during lunch because it gives cool shade. The banyan tree is a tree because it is very tall and has a thick trunk.

Example 3: Plants Give Us Food

The rice on your plate comes from a rice plant (herb). The dal comes from a pulse plant. The mango you eat in summer comes from a mango tree. Plants feed us every day!

Practice Questions

A. Fill in the Blanks

  1. The part of the plant that grows under the soil is the .
  2. Leaves make for the plant using sunlight.
  3. A plant with a thick, hard stem is called a .
  4. Tulsi and pudina are examples of .
  5. Plants give us to breathe.

B. Multiple Choice Questions

  1. Which part of the plant carries water from roots to leaves?
    (a) Flower(b) Stem(c) Fruit(d) Seed
  2. Which of these is a shrub?
    (a) Neem(b) Grass(c) Rose(d) Wheat
  3. A seed grows into a new __________.
    (a) Flower(b) Leaf(c) Plant(d) Root

C. Short Answer Questions

  1. Name the six parts of a plant.
  2. What is the difference between a tree and a herb?
  3. Write three reasons why plants are important.
Think and Do -- Fun Activity

Plant Hunt: Go around your home or school. Find and write the names of plants you see. Tell if each one is a tree, shrub, or herb.

Name of PlantTree / Shrub / HerbWhere Did You See It?

How many plants did you find? __________