---
title: "Photosynthesis"
description: "Explain photosynthesis as the process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, and describe how mineral nutrients are absorbed through roots"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/photosynthesis-mt_zM5vu31jgl
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/photosynthesis-mt_zM5vu31jgl.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Photosynthesis

Explain photosynthesis as the process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, and describe how mineral nutrients are absorbed through roots

Subject: Science · Area: Organisms & Life Processes · Ages 11 to 12
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/photosynthesis-mt_zM5vu31jgl

## Ready when they can

- Writes and explains the word equation for photosynthesis
- Identifies the raw materials needed and the products made
- Explains the role of chlorophyll in capturing light energy
- Distinguishes between what plants get from the air (CO₂), soil (water and minerals), and light

## Lesson: How plants make their own food

You already know plants need light, water, and air to grow. Every breath you take uses oxygen a plant made. Photosynthesis is the process that turns those things into food. Inside a leaf, a plant combines carbon dioxide from the air with water from the soil. Using light energy, it turns them into a sugar called glucose, plus the oxygen you breathe.

*(drawing: Carbon dioxide and water combine using light energy to make glucose and oxygen.)*

**Example.** Picture a tomato plant on a sunny windowsill. Its roots pull up water and dissolved minerals from the soil. Its leaves take in carbon dioxide through tiny holes. Inside the leaves, chlorophyll, a green pigment packed into chloroplasts, captures sunlight and uses that energy to join the carbon dioxide and water into glucose. The plant releases oxygen as it works. Minerals keep the plant healthy, but they are not its food.

**Tip.** Keep the three sources straight: air gives carbon dioxide, soil gives water and minerals through the roots, and the sun gives light energy. Without light, photosynthesis cannot happen at all.

**Recap.** Photosynthesis uses light energy, captured by chlorophyll, to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while roots separately absorb water and minerals from the soil.

## Practice

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

## Needs first

- [Plant cells vs animal cells](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/plant-cells-vs-animal-cells-mt_fhqBH9scsU)
- [What Plants Need to Thrive](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/what-plants-need-to-thrive-mt_lutxvMlkwS)

## Opens up

- [Deep-sea life without sunlight](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/deep-sea-life-without-sunlight-mt_6Wx--Du8j3)
- [The Carbon Cycle](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/the-carbon-cycle-mt_Be1A88GUpu)
- [Photosynthesis and Limiting Factors](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/photosynthesis-and-limiting-factors-mt_PDn831oIih)