Biology: Cells: Mitochondria and Chloroplasts

Today's topic is cells: mitochondria and chloroplasts. Read the short text together, then have your child explain it back in their own words. The test of understanding is teaching someone else. Connect to a real-world example whenever possible.

• pencil
• paper

Predict: what will happen to an ice cube in your hand? Why? You just made a hypothesis.

1. 1

   Read these facts: Mitochondria release energy from food in both plant and animal cells. Chloroplasts in plant cells capture sunlight and make food (sugar). Q: What do mitochondria do?

   Parent tip: Read aloud first. Re-read if the question is hard.
2. 2

   What do chloroplasts do?

   Parent tip: Encourage answers in complete sentences.

1. 1

   Which cells have chloroplasts?
2. 2

   Which cells have mitochondria?
3. 3

   Why is chloroplast green?
4. 4

   Where might you see this idea in real life?
5. 5

   Connect this topic to something you've seen before.
6. 6

   Write one new thing you learned today.
7. 7

   Draw a picture of one idea from the passage and label it.
8. 8

   Ask one question you still have about this topic.
9. 9

   Where might you see this idea in real life?
10. 10

    Connect this topic to something you've seen before.

What is one question this lesson left you wondering about?