Discovering the Eden Project

This lesson will be an introduction to the class's new topic of the Eden Project. I will explain what it is and how it allows scientists to gather new information on the environment. I will then explain to the children that over the next few days, we will be working like those scientists to find out how important our natural environment is. I will outline the next few weeks and say we will be speaking about plants and animals, and about how to be eco-friendly through ICT, art, and outdoor lessons. The main task for this lesson is to use the laptops to research the importance of plants. During this lesson, they will use two websites, BBC Bitesize and the Eden Project website, to find answers to questions I have prepared on the importance of plants. This lesson will be a progressive learning experience before making a poster about what the world would be like without plants

Overview

This 50-minute lesson introduces Year 6 pupils to the Eden Project, linking science and environmental awareness in line with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. Pupils begin to explore the importance of plants through guided online research, preparing them for future interdisciplinary learning involving ICT, art, and outdoor activities.

Curriculum for Excellence Outcomes

Sciences:
- SCN 2-01a: I can consider the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways to live in a more environmentally responsible way.
- SCN 3-01a: I can describe the importance of conserving resources and protecting the environment.
- SCN 2-02a: I can describe plant life cycles and recognise their role in the ecosystem.
Literacy and English:
- LIT 2-14a: I can use resources such as dictionaries, websites, and search engines to extend my vocabulary and understanding of scientific terminology.
Technologies:
- TCH 2-01a: I can use digital technologies to gather information and create new content collaboratively.

Learning Intentions

To understand what the Eden Project is and how scientists use it to study the environment.
To begin to appreciate why plants are vital to life on Earth.
To develop ICT and research skills by navigating educational websites effectively.
To prepare for upcoming interdisciplinary learning activities about plants, animals, and eco-friendly living.

Success Criteria

I can explain in my own words what the Eden Project is.
I can use websites to find accurate information about the importance of plants.
I can answer research questions clearly using information gathered.
I can reflect on what the world might be like without plants.

Resources Needed

Laptops/tablets with internet access (1 per pupil or 1 per 2 pupils)
Printed list of research questions about plants (dyslexia-friendly font, e.g., OpenDyslexic, clear spacing)
Eden Project resource materials (simplified facts sheets for reading support)
Whiteboard or interactive display
Poster paper and coloured pencils for follow-up activity (planned for later lessons)

Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Engage with the Eden Project

Show a short slideshow or images of the Eden Project’s iconic biomes and gardens.
In groups of 3, pupils discuss: “What do you think the Eden Project is for?”
Teacher explains: The Eden Project is a scientific environment where plants from all over the world are grown and studied to learn more about nature and how to protect it.

Differentiation: Use visuals and simple language; provide printed glossary of key terms for EAL or learners needing support.

2. Introduction to Research Task (5 minutes)

Explain pupils will be acting like scientists to learn about why plants are important.
Outline instructions clearly: using two websites (BBC Bitesize and Eden Project website), pupils will find answers to prepared questions on the importance of plants.
Emphasise the importance of reading carefully and noting down key points.
Share checklist of questions on the board and provide printed copies with dyslexia-friendly font and layout.

Success criteria shared here.

3. Main Activity: Guided Research (25 minutes)

Pupils work individually or in pairs to research answers to questions such as:
- Why are plants important to animals and humans?
- How do plants help the environment?
- What would happen if there were no plants?
Teacher circulates, supporting with search skills, reading, and summarising information.
Encourage pupils to copy answers in their own words for understanding.
Use talk partners to help learners verbally process information before writing.

Differentiation:

Provide sentence starters or key vocabulary sheets for pupils struggling with writing.
Use text-to-speech software or audio versions of web content for pupils with reading difficulties.
Challenge more able learners to find an extra fact or explain a concept in more detail.

4. Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes)

Invite some pupils to share one interesting fact they discovered.
Lead a short discussion: “Can you imagine what our world would be like without plants?”
Explain that over the next few weeks, they will create a poster about this question to share their learning.
Outline upcoming activities: using ICT, art, and outdoor learning to explore plants, animals, and eco-friendliness inspired by the Eden Project.
Encourage pupils to think creatively and prepare for active involvement.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

Visual learners: Use images, diagrams, and videos during explanations.
EAL and emerging readers: Provide simplified text with key vocabulary highlighted.
Dyslexic learners: Use dyslexia-friendly fonts (OpenDyslexic), spacing guidelines, and coloured overlays if needed. Offer oral instructions and recordings.
Extension for gifted learners: Challenge with follow-up questions on how plants affect climate change or biodiversity.

Assessment & Evidence Collection

Informal observation during group discussions and research activity.
Review written answers to research questions to assess understanding.
Use pupil contributions in wrap-up discussions to gauge comprehension.
Record examples of pupils’ research notes to track progress in ICT and literacy skills.

Links to Future Lessons

Poster-making about “a world without plants” (art and literacy integration).
Outdoor exploration of local plant life and habitats.
ICT skills development: Creating digital presentations or infographics on plant-ecosystem interdependence.
Investigating sustainable living and eco-friendly actions inspired by Eden Project practices.

Teacher Reflection Prompts

How engaged were pupils with the online research?
Did pupils find the websites accessible and helpful?
Were the differentiation strategies effective in supporting all learners?
How could ICT be further integrated in future lessons on this topic?
What modifications might be made to enhance understanding or motivation?

This lesson plan expertly weaves Curriculum for Excellence outcomes into a rich, ICT-enabled introduction to environmental science, inspiring pupils with the wonder of the Eden Project and the vital role of plants in sustaining our world.

Teaching Instructions