Science Vocabulary

Third gradeGoal 1

Seed

First stage of growth in a plant, a tiny plant packaged in a seed coat

seed coat

The protective outer layer of a

seed.

cotyledon

Sometimes called “seed leaves,” they are the first plant part you see when a seedling pokes its head out of the ground.

They help keep the new seedling fed until it can make its own food.

embryo

The baby plant

within the seed.

seedling

a young plant

flower

The reason why we grow many plants. This is the

fancy part that really looks good and

sometimes smells good, too.

petal

Individual part or single part of the

outer part of a flower

root

This part of the plant grows underground and is not

seen. They are important because they help to hold the plant up and bring in

food and water.

stem

Connects the roots with the leaves of the plant and supports the plant

above ground

leaves

Plant parts that grow out of the stem

sprout

begin to grow, young plant growth

germination

When a small plant breaks out of the seed

and begins to grow

photosynthesis

A process by which a plant produces its food

using energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water

from the soil.

chlorophyll

The substance that gives plants their

green color.

tuber

The part of the stem found underground, but

is fat. It is a food storage stem.

pollination

The moving of the pollen from the one stigma

to another.

Parts of a flower

The parts of the flower that make it possible for

the plant to make another plant

taproot

A root with a few branches that is very

thick and swollen. Carrots are an

example.

fibrous root

A bunch of very fine roots. Grass plants have a this type of

root system.

fruit

The part of a plant that we usually eat that has

the seeds inside.

nutrients

phosphoro

us nitrogen

potassium

Plants need this from the soil to

grow and produce

4 basic needs of plants

co2

sunlightair

watersoil