Plants - Lesson Plan

In an engaging lesson plan crafted by Mark Inder, pupils are introduced to the world of plants, where they learn to recognise and describe common features of these living organisms. The lesson is structured to enable students to differentiate between plants and animals, identify various parts of a plant, and understand the essential conditions for plant growth. The lesson objectives are clear and concise, prompting students to ask whether they can tell apart plants from animals, name plant parts, and articulate what plants need to thrive. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for future learning, where Year 1 students will delve into identifying common wild and garden plants, and Year 2 students will explore the growth process from seeds and bulbs and the importance of water, light, and a suitable temperature for plant health.

The lesson plan is comprehensive and includes cross-curricular links to English, where pupils will write the names of plant parts, Art, where they will draw plants and flowers, and Maths, through counting leaves. Health and safety considerations are highlighted to ensure a safe learning environment, especially for those with allergies. The lesson is designed to correct common misconceptions about plants, such as the belief that they are not alive or do not move. Fascinating plant facts are shared to captivate the students' interest, such as the existence of the world's largest flower and the longevity of the Monkey Puzzle tree. The lesson involves various activities, including sorting cards to identify plants, planting seeds to observe growth, and discussing the importance of plants to life on Earth. Pupils work in teams, use tools, and engage in scientific exploration, culminating in a plenary session where they reflect on their learning outcomes.