1.7 A simple food chain

Natural sciences

Grade 4

Life and way of living

Module 8

A simple food chain

To have an understanding of a simple food chain

All animals and plants need food to remain healthy and have enough energy. Plants have the unique ability to manufacture their own food. For this, they use sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air and water and minerals from the soil.

All living things need food manufactured by green plants. The different parts of the food chain are like the links of a chain: if one link is missing, the chain is of no use until it is fixed. Each part of the food chain is important for the existence of the ecosystem.

The following food chains are faulty. Correct them:

Maize, sun, farmer, egg, hen

Cow, boy, sun, grass, milk

Lion, antelope, grass, sun

Raptor, sun, mouse, wheat

Now make your own food chain

Assessment

LEARNING OUTCOME 1: SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONSThe learner will be able to act confidently on curiosity about natural phenomena, and to investigate relationships and solve problems in scientific, technological and environmental contexts.

Assessment Standard 1.3: The learner evaluates data and provides feedback on observations.

Memorandum

• Sun, maize, hen, egg, farmer
• Sun, grass, cow, milk, boy
• Sun, grass, antelope, lion
• Sun, wheat, mouse, raptor/bird of prey