Plants play a vital role to life on planet Earth. They harness the energy of the sun, making them the first link on every food chain. They take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we need to breathe. This innovative book lets readers learn all about plants in a hands-on way with cool experiments they can do in their own backyards and homes. Step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs ensure that each activity is easy to follow. Handy What's Happening sidebars explain the scientific principles behind each experiment, helping readers grasp abstract concepts.