Green plants are able to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich sugars through the process of photosynthesis using sunlight. All living things rely on this process, as it provides the sugars that serve as energy for all other organisms. The document discusses how photosynthesis works on a basic level, noting that carbon dioxide enters leaves and combines with stored energy and chlorophyll through a chemical reaction producing sugar and oxygen. It prompts students to consider what essential thing leaves are deprived of when covered by paper shapes and how the covered areas will appear after a few weeks without that essential component.