Skip Navigation

Plants

This day explores the world of plants at Skelton through lots of outside and hands-on activities. Throughout the day we will consider the relationship between people and plants and how plants are important in our daily lives. The children look at what plants need to grow, how they work and the rich variety of different plants, and consider how they grow and change throughout their life cycle. We'll also look at how we make use of plants and get to see some food plants growing, and hopefully get to taste some too!

National Curriculum Summary

Sc2

Sc2 Life Processes and Living Things:
Green Plants - We learn about what plants need to grow, and the role of the leaf and the roots in helping the plant to grow. We look at the parts of the flower and their role in the processes of pollination, seed formation, seed dispersal and germination.

Main National Curriculum Links

Sc2 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d
Supports delivery of QCA Unit 3B Helping Plants Grow Well and 5B Lifecycles

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the day children will be able to:

  • identify the parts of the plant and what each part does
  • explain how plants grow and change throughout their lifecycle; explain the process of pollination and how it happens
  • recognise that plants and seeds come in all shapes and sizes
  • explain why seeds need to be dispersed and the different ways this might happen
  • recognise that humans use a range of different plants in our daily lives, including for food, clothing and medicine

Availability

March to October

Day Summary

The day begins with an introduction by the day leader, welcoming the group to the centre, followed by a whole-class game or activity.

The children then split into groups (usually 3) for the day's activities: Helping Plants Grow Well, Seeds and Variety, Value and Uses.

Helping Plants Grow Well

Looking at a flowering plant the children will name the main parts and think of the role of each part and then play 'Build a Tree' where they act out the different parts with sound effects! They then go outside and look at all the different shapes and sizes of plants in the local environment and try and identify the different parts on different plants. They finish with choosing their favourite plant to draw and label.

Seeds

Looking at the life cycle of a flowering plant we think about how the plant changes during its life and the different processes at each stage. The children get to handle a variety of seeds of different shapes and sizes and play some games to help explain pollination, and seed dispersal.  They then plant a seed to take home with them.

Variety, Value and Uses

Plants play an integral part of our daily lives but many children don't realise this. Relating to their own experiences we will discuss plants that we make use of, including for breakfast that morning, for food, shelter, medicine and of course for oxygen! Around the building we look at the use of plant materials and then visit our organic vegetable garden where the children will get the chance to try out some seasonal produce.

 

Visit our Links page to find some fun ideas for pre-visit or follow-up activities! 

:: last modified 13 Aug 2010 ::