---
title: "How Plant Parts Work"
description: "Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots absorb water and nutrients, stems transport materials, leaves make food, flowers enable reproduction"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-plant-parts-work-mt_6xsEXxKdUX
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-plant-parts-work-mt_6xsEXxKdUX.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# How Plant Parts Work

Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots absorb water and nutrients, stems transport materials, leaves make food, flowers enable reproduction

Subject: Science · Area: Organisms & Life Processes · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-plant-parts-work-mt_6xsEXxKdUX

## Ready when they can

- Describe the function of roots (absorb water and minerals from soil)
- Explain that the stem transports water up and food around the plant
- State that leaves use sunlight to make food and flowers produce seeds for new plants

## Lesson: How Plant Parts Work

Every plant part has its own job to do. Roots grow down into the soil. They soak up water and tiny bits of food called minerals, just like a straw pulls up a drink.

The stem works like a highway. It carries water up from the roots to the leaves, and carries food back down to the rest of the plant.

**Example.** Ben looks at his sunflower. Water travels up the stem to the leaves. The leaves catch sunlight and turn it into food. Then the flower uses that food to make seeds for new sunflowers.

*(drawing: Each part passes its job to the next one: roots drink water, the stem carries it, leaves cook food, and flowers make seeds.)*

**Tip.** Follow the path: roots drink water, the stem carries it, leaves cook food with sunlight, and flowers make seeds. Each part passes the job to the next one.

**Recap.** Roots drink water, stems carry it, leaves cook food with sunlight, and flowers make seeds for new plants.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Parts of a Plant](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/parts-of-a-plant-mt_xT6jPzyj92)

## Opens up

- [Structures for Survival](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/structures-for-survival-mt_8VA40Tumth)
- [Water Transport in Plants](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/water-transport-in-plants-mt_GF6L7J4MNN)
- [Pollination & Seed Dispersal](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/pollination-and-seed-dispersal-mt_WNBHZ1d94L)