Free Worksheets: What Do Plants and Animals Need to Survive?

Help your kindergarten or preschool students learn the basic needs of plants and animals with these free printable worksheets. Each activity helps children understand what living things need to grow, stay healthy, and survive.

Free Printable Worksheets (PDF)

All worksheets are ready to print and use in class or at home. No sign-up required!

Preview of a kindergarten cut and paste worksheet sorting what plants and animals need to survive, including sun, water, food, and shelter.

1. What Do They Need? Cut & Paste Sorting

Kids cut out items like water, sun, food, and shelter, then glue them next to the correct picture (plant or animal).

Preview of a kindergarten needs chart worksheet: compare what plants and animals need to survive with checkboxes for water, sunlight, food, air, and shelter.

2. Needs Chart: Check What Plants and Animals Need to Survive

A simple chart activity for kindergarten and preschool. Students check (✅) the boxes to show what each living thing needs: water, sunlight, food, air, and shelter. Great for comparing plants and animals!

Circle what plants and animals need to survive — kindergarten science worksheet with two columns.

Circle What Living Things Need — Picture Hunt Activity

A fun picture hunt worksheet for kindergarten and preschool! In two columns — Plants and Animals — students circle the items that living things need to survive, like water, sunlight, and food. Great for reinforcing science lessons. The black-and-white design is perfect for coloring, too!

Kindergarten worksheet: help a kitten survive by circling needs like food, water, and shelter, while ignoring wants like toys and bed.

What Does the Kitten Need to Survive? – Needs vs. Wants Activity

Help the kitten survive! Students circle the items the kitten really needs — like food, water, shelter, and air — and skip the fun but unnecessary things like toys and hats. A fun, no-prep activity for kindergarten science.

How to Use These Worksheets

  1. Start with a discussion or video (see best videos)
  2. Do a hands-on activity (e.g., plant seeds, observe pets)
  3. Use the worksheet for independent or group practice
Don’t stop here — there’s more to explore!
Check out these related categories:
Needs of Plants and Animals