Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Science
Plants

Background Information
In this unit, the children will learn the names of different parts of plants, and the jobs they do. The children will work scientifically to investigate what plants need to grow well, and will present their findings. Furthermore, they will have chance to predict what will happen in an investigation into the transportation of water within plants. They will to identify the parts of a flower, and will explore the different stages of the life cycle of a flowering plant.

In this unit the children will…
Identify and describe the functions of different parts of plants; roots, stem, leaves and flowers.
• Explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (air, light, nutrients from soil and room to grow) and how they vary from plant to plant.
• Investigate the ways in which water is transported within plants.
• Explore the role of flowers in the life cycle of flowering plants, including pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
• Identify the different parts of flowering plants.
• Predict what will happen in an investigation.
• Make observations.
• Identify the main stages of the life cycle of flowering plants.
Most children will:
• Explain the functions of the different parts of plants.
• Set up an investigation and make predictions.
• Make observations and conclusions.
• Identify different parts of a flower.
• Identify and describe the stages of the life cycle of flowering plants.
• Be able to answer questions based on their learning.
Some children will:
• Set up reliable and accurate investigations.
• Make and explain predictions.
• Make and record accurate observations.
• Use scientific language to explain their findings.
• Explain the functions of the different parts of a flower.
• Be able to ask and answer questions based on their learning using scientific language.

Key Vocabulary
Structure - flowering plants roots, stem/trunk, leaves, flowers
Requirements for life and growth - air, light, water, nutrients from soil, room to grow fertilizer
Function - nutrients, support, reproduction, makes its own food
life cycle - flowers pollination, seed formation, seed dispersal