Roots - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd aims to deepen Year 6 students' understanding of plant biology, focusing on the crucial functions of roots in flowering plants. Students will engage in a series of activities designed to explore the differences between tree roots and other plant roots, the process of water and nutrient uptake through roots, and the importance of roots for plant stability. The lesson builds on previous learning from earlier years, where students identified basic parts of a tree and learned about the necessities for plant growth. The curriculum links to various Key Stage 2 learning objectives, including plant life requirements, water transportation within plants, and the adaptation of living organisms to their environments.

The lesson features cross-curricular links, encouraging students to integrate their knowledge of science with English, Maths, and Geography. For instance, they could write plant care guides, graph root growth, or list indigenous plants from different countries. A key component of the lesson is the 'Root View Farm' activity, where students observe and measure root growth over four weeks, providing a practical understanding of root development. They'll also engage in a 'Root Models' science skills activity, using string and coloured water to simulate capillary action in roots. To ensure a comprehensive grasp of the topic, students will research different root types and create a fact file. The lesson concludes with a plenary session to assess understanding and progress, where students reflect on the diverse functions and characteristics of roots in the plant kingdom.