PR-0552UK Primary Science - Book 2

Observing plants
Plants and animals~ Activity 5
Objectives
• recognise and describe the parts
of some living things
• recognise that trees are plants
Working scientifically
• Questioning
• Observing
• Recording and communicating
Designing and making
• Exploring
Background information
The main parts of flowering plants
are the leaves, stems, roots, flowers
and seeds. Each plant part performs
the following basic functions.
Leaves: the structures on a plant that
make food.
Stems: the part of a plant that support
branches, leaves and flowers.
Roots: anchor the plant in soil
and collect water and minerals for
growth.
Flowers: the reproductive part of the
plant where seeds are produced.
Seeds: the part of the plant containing
a tiny plant and its food supply.
Before the lesson
Materials needed
• Clipboards or files for field work.
Preparation
• Explore the school grounds to locate the most suitable sites to observe a variety
of flowering plants. Prepare worksheets and clipboards.
• Organise pairs or groups of pupils.
The lesson
Stimulus
• Have pupils suggest their favourite plant/flower. List these on the
whiteboard.
• Ensure pupils recognise that trees are plants. Have pupils suggest their favourite
tree.
• Identify levels of prior knowledge by discussing what plants they have at home
and the purpose plants serve.
• Discuss the different parts of plants – prior knowledge.
What to do
• Take the class to the designated area(s). Have pupils choose a plant with flowers.
Pupils draw each plant part. (See note below regarding the roots.) Encourage
pupils to select different plant varieties. Pupils write words to describe what
they are observing.
• Return to the classroom. Discuss the observations of different pupils. Have
pupils suggest what roles are played by the different plant parts. Do the words
and drawings give any clues?
• Pupils complete and colour drawings. Describing words can be compiled and
presented on charts.
Note: When observing plant parts it will be necessary to observe a root system.
This can be done as a whole-class activity to start with, by observing the root
systems of several weeds.
After the lesson
Viewing Sample
Answers
• Teacher check
Additional activities
• Create a class ‘Plant Record Book’ which
pupils work at in pairs or individually
to compile.
Display ideas
• Take photos of pupils drawing the plant
parts and display around completed
copymasters.
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