Noughts and Crosses - Plants - Year 2

In this interactive learning activity designed for Year 2 pupils, the classic game of noughts and crosses is given a botanical twist to make learning about plants engaging and fun. Pairs of pupils are encouraged to use a standard 3 x 3 noughts and crosses grid and different coloured pens to represent their moves. The game is centred around nine plant-related questions that are asked alternately to each student. When a pupil answers correctly, they can place their coloured mark on the grid in a space of their choosing. The aim is to align three of their coloured marks in a row, following the traditional rules of noughts and crosses.

The questions included in the game cover various parts of plants and their functions, such as the colourful part usually found at the top of the plant, the underground section, and the main woody stem of a tree. They also touch upon natural elements that plants require to grow, like light from the sun, and the process of how plants begin life, for instance from seeds or acorns. The activity not only tests the pupils' knowledge of plants but also encourages strategic thinking as they aim to win the game. The answers provided include terms like soil, oak, flowers, seeds, branch, sun, horse chestnut, trunk, and roots. The game concludes with a question about what plants and trees need to grow healthily, prompting further discussion and learning about the necessities of plant life.