Straw facts for kids

Straw is a natural material that comes from plants like wheat, oats, and barley. It's the dry stems left over after the grain seeds have been harvested. Think of it as the stalk of the plant without the valuable food part. Straw is often used for many things, from helping animals stay warm to building houses.

Bales of straw are often seen in fields after harvest.

What is Straw?

Straw is the part of a cereal plant that remains after the seeds are removed. These plants include common grains like wheat, oats, barley, and rice. Farmers harvest the grain for food, and the leftover stems become straw. It is usually dry and yellow.

How is Straw Used?

Straw has been a useful material for people for thousands of years. It is still used in many ways today.

For Animals

One of the most common uses for straw is as bedding for farm animals. Animals like cows, horses, and chickens sleep on straw. It helps keep them warm and dry. Straw is different from hay, which is used to feed animals. Straw is not usually eaten by animals because it has less nutrition.

In Building

Straw has a long history as a building material.

• Thatch Roofs: In many parts of the world, straw is used to make roofs called thatch. Layers of straw are carefully placed to create a thick, waterproof roof. This method has been used for hundreds of years.
• Cob and Adobe: Straw can be mixed with clay and sand to create strong building materials like cob or adobe. These mixtures are used to build walls for houses. The straw helps to hold the mixture together and makes the walls stronger.
• Straw Bale Houses: Modern builders also use large bales of straw to construct homes. These straw bales can be stacked like bricks to create thick, insulated walls.

Other Uses of Straw

Straw is also used for many other purposes:

• Fuel: In some places, straw is burned to create energy. It can be a source of heat or electricity.
• Crafts: People use straw to make beautiful crafts. This includes weaving baskets, making hats, or creating decorative items like straw dolls.
• Gardening: Gardeners often use straw as mulch. Spreading straw over soil helps to keep weeds down and holds moisture in the ground. It also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

Images for kids

• 

  Bundles of rice straw are ready for use.

• 

  Large round straw bales are common sights in fields.

• 

  Belarusian Straw Dolls are a traditional craft.

• 

  A tied straw horse from Norway, made from straw rope.

See also

In Spanish: Paja para niños