How We Care for Living Things
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What you will learn
- 1Describe at least three ways people care for plants and three ways people care for animals
- 2Explain why protecting living things matters
Mini Lesson
Living things depend on the world around them to survive. People have the power to help — or harm — plants, animals, and their habitats. Choosing to care is one of the most important things a scientist can do.
How we care for plants
- We water plants regularly so they do not dry out.
- We place them in sunlight so they can make food.
- We use soil with the right minerals and protect them from pests.
- Example: A gardener waters flowers every morning to keep them healthy.
How we care for animals and pets
- We give pets food and clean water every day.
- We provide a safe shelter — a home, cage, tank, or stable.
- We take sick animals to a vet for help.
- We show animals kindness — we do not hurt or frighten them.
How we protect living things in nature
- We avoid littering — trash harms animals that mistake it for food.
- We protect habitats by not cutting down too many trees or polluting water.
- We can plant trees and create gardens that give wildlife a safe home.
Words to know
Care
To help and look after a living thing
e.g. I care for my dog every day.
Shelter
A safe place where an animal lives
e.g. A cage is a shelter for a hamster.
Vet
A doctor who helps animals when they are sick
e.g. My cat went to the vet.
Pollute
To make air, water, or land dirty and unsafe
e.g. Trash can pollute the ocean.
Protect
To keep something safe from harm
e.g. We protect trees by not cutting them down.
Ask yourself: "What does this living thing need from me? Am I giving it food, water, safety, and kindness?"
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