Plants: Observing Plants
Aim: Success Criteria: Resources:
To observe closely using simple equipment I can look closely at plants and trees. Lesson Pack
by recording observations of a variety of I can record what I see by writing, Magnifying glasses
plants in the local environment. drawing and measuring. Tape measures
I can look closely at plants and trees and I can label the main parts of plants and Rulers
record what I see. trees.
Clipboard - 1 per child
A4 paper - as required
Pencils
Coloured pencils
Crayons
Key/New Words: Preparation:
Roots, stem, leaves, flower, trunk, Flowering Plant Observation Activity Sheet
branches, observation, diagram. - 1 per child
Differentiated Tree Observation Activity
Sheet - 1 per child
Prepare the Parts of a Flowering Plant
Activity Sheet and Parts of a Tree Activity
Sheet by cutting them into pieces for
reassembly - 1 sheet per group.
Make preparations for an outside walk to
a local park or woodland.
Prior Learning: It will be helpful if children have previous experience of the basic structure of plants and trees.
Learning Sequence
Plants: Introduce the topic. Using the Lesson Presentation, show the children pictures of common wild
and garden plants and trees. As a class, invite children to identify the plants if they can before revealing
the names.
Parts of a Flowering Plant: Split children into mixed ability groups of 3. Give each group a Parts of
a Flowering Plant Activity Sheet which has been pre-cut into pieces. Children have one minute to
reassemble the picture of the plant and to label the parts. Use the Lesson Presentation to check
answers and address misconceptions.
Parts of a Tree: Repeat the previous activity using the Parts of a Tree Activity Sheet.
Observing Plants: In a suitable outdoor location, provide children with magnifying glasses and encourage
them to closely study flowering plants and trees. Children complete the Observing Flowering Plants
Activity Sheet by drawing a labelled diagram of a plant and writing a description. Children also complete
the differentiated Observing Trees Activity Sheet by drawing a labelled diagram of a tree and a detailed
picture of a leaf from the tree.
Children make a bark Children measure and Children take
rubbing of the trunk of record the length and more detailed
their chosen tree. width of the leaf with measurements with
a ruler. a ruler and a tape
measure.
What Did We See? Children discuss their observations with a partner.
Taskit
Researchit: Give children the opportunity to research their flowers and trees in books or on the internet, finding out what they are
called and interesting facts about them.
Observeit: Complete a detailed leaf study. Collect a variety of leaves and observe them carefully with magnifying glasses, building
up a class word bank of descriptive terms. Each child can then complete an observational drawing and detailed written
description of one leaf. This makes a beautiful display.
Magnifyit: Look at different leaves under a microscope. Compare and contrast the different cells and tissues.
Science | Year 2 | Plants | Observing Plants | Lesson 1
