Both air and water are important substances to humans, animals and plants.

Let’s explore
how living things make use of air and water.

The Use of Air

Air is important to all living things. All living things need air to survive. As humans, we
breathe in air, and we also release air when we breathe out. The same thing happens with
animals and plants. When humans and animals breathe in, they are taking in oxygen.
When humans and animals breathe out, they breathe out carbon dioxide. Plants, on the
other hand, do the opposite. They breathe in carbon dioxide. They breathe out oxygen.
This is why plants, animals and humans are all important to each other.

The movement of air is known as wind. We can capture wind power using wind turbines.
These turbines turn wind into energy that we can use for our homes or businesses. Wind
also helps to move seeds from place to place. Plants that do not have flowers need the
wind to move their seeds from one plant to another. This is because these plants do not
attract (or bring in) pollinators. Humans also use air to fly kites, or work sailboats.
The Use of Water
Water is also important to all living things. All living things need water to survive.
Plants take in water through their roots. The water helps to move nutrients
throughout the plant. Without water, plants would wilt or die. Humans and animals
drink water. Animals might use their tongues to drink water, but humans drink
water out of water bottles or glasses. Water helps to move nutrients throughout
the body of animals and humans. Water also helps to control the body
temperature of some animals and humans. Without water, all living things would
die.

We use water for other purposes as well. Just like with air, we can take the
movement of water and turn it into hydroelectric energy. This energy uses the
flowing movement of water (often where a waterfall is) to create energy. We also
use water to wash our hands, wash our cars, take showers, cook and for
transportation.
 Air Water

Circle the characteristics of air in blue and the characteristics of water in red.