Science Year 2
Biology Strand: Plants
Session H Programme of study: Observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants
Plant
enquiry
Working
scientifically
Resources
needed
Find out and describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay
healthy
Observe closely, using simple equipment
Perform simple tests
Gather and record data
Use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
Plants that chn have grown from seeds and bulbs. Recording sheets from Session B. Disposable
gloves. Scissors. Notes on predictions that chn made in Session B. Access to internet
Whole class teaching:
Explain that today children are going to concentrate on taking the final observations of the plants that they have
grown from seeds and bulbs and discussing what they have found out.
As a class look at their own pots and each of the experimental pots in turn. Help the children from each group to
articulate what has happened in each case to the rest of the class. They should refer to the 6 weeks of observations
and measurements that they have made too. Could record results on flip chart or do it verbally. Focus on why children
think the results are as they are. Note that the seeds/bulbs may have to be lifted to see the roots that have grown.
Were the predictions that children made in Session B correct?
Can we now answer these questions?
a) Do seeds/bulbs need soil to germinate and grow?
b) Do seeds/bulbs need light to germinate and grow?
c) Do seeds/bulbs need water to germinate and grow?
d) Do seeds/bulbs need air to germinate and grow?
Distinguish between germinating and growing, as seeds will germinate without light for example but will not continue
to grow healthily without light.
Safety: Wear gloves if handling the bulbs. Wash hands after handling plants.
Group activities:
Independent activity - Support:
Have their own plant in front of them and do a labelled drawing of it.
Independent activity - Extension:
Ask children to write an account of what happened to one (or more) of the experimental pots and why. Children
should include a labelled diagram.
Independent activity:
Match vocabulary and definitions to make a glossary of terms (session resources).
Independent activity:
Children return to the online activity at http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/5_6/growing_plants.shtml
and/or http://resources.hwb.wales.gov.uk/VTC/plants_light_water_to_grow/eng/Introduction/default.htm and see if they are
better at looking after the plants now they have more understanding of the needs of a plant to grow and stay healthy.
Plenary:
Ask what we have learnt. Seeds need water, warmth & air to germinate, bulbs need water, the correct temperature
and air to grow, but once germinated plants need water, air & light to grow and stay healthy.
I can:
1. Talk about what happened in our investigation.
2. Talk about why I think it happened.
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