Plant Growth (Light and Water) - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd is structured to enhance students' understanding of plant growth, specifically how light and water affect it, in line with the National Curriculum for science. Students will engage in a variety of science skills, including planning investigations, presenting and analysing data, and evaluating investigations. They will delve into observing changes over time, pattern seeking, and comparative testing. The curriculum links to prior learning from Year 2, where students observed seed and bulb growth, to more advanced concepts in Year 6, such as plant adaptation and evolution. Cross-curricular opportunities are also suggested, with poetry writing in English and graph drawing in Maths. Health and safety considerations are highlighted, particularly regarding plant allergies and hygiene post-experimentation.

The lesson includes activities that allow students to explore the role of air in photosynthesis and the effect of light on plant growth. They will conduct experiments using materials such as plastic bottles, lime water, and cellophane in various colours to observe the impact of different light conditions on plant growth. Misconceptions are addressed, clarifying that plants can grow in the dark for short periods and that excessive water can be detrimental. The lesson also introduces influential scientists in the field of botany, such as Jagadish Chandra Bose and Janaki Amal. The plenary session is designed to consolidate learning, with pupils reflecting on the process of photosynthesis, the importance of light, and other factors necessary for plant growth. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to articulate their understanding of these key concepts and assess their progress using a provided assessment grid.