Identifying Plants - Teacher Explanation

Welcome to lesson 1.14 of the Year 1 unit on plants, titled 'Identifying Plants'. In line with the National Curriculum, this lesson aims to equip pupils with the ability to identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including both deciduous and evergreen trees. Additionally, students will learn to describe the basic structure of common flowering plants and trees. A word of caution is advised for those with plant allergies, as the lesson involves handling plant matter. It's also important to ensure that after touching plant matter or soil, everyone washes their hands thoroughly. When venturing outside, be mindful of plants that can sting or have thorns, such as nettles and brambles. This lesson not only covers biology but also integrates geography, maths, English, and art, offering a holistic educational experience.

The practical component of the lesson involves a nature walk, where pupils collect various leaves and use photographs to aid in their identification back in the classroom. They will draw, label, and classify the plants, honing their observational and analytical skills. Essential items for these activities include scissors, resealable bags for collecting samples, leaf identification guides, and, if available, learning pads for taking photos. The lesson also features an investigation of pine cones, where students measure and observe the changes in pine cones when submerged in water. This experiment demonstrates the pine cone's natural response to moisture and provides a visual learning experience about plant survival mechanisms. Finally, pupils will distinguish between deciduous and evergreen trees using worksheets with images, enhancing their understanding of seasonal changes in plants. The lesson promises to be an engaging and informative adventure for both teacher and pupils.