Flower Building Project

Overview

This is a week-long building project for Year 2 students, centred on the theme of flowers. The project encourages creativity, scientific observation, and practical skills, aligned with the UK national curriculum. Each daily session is 60 minutes long and is designed for a class of 16 children working in pairs or small groups.

---

Curriculum Links

• Science
  Plants – identify and describe the basic structure of common flowering plants and trees (KS1 Science Programme of Study)
• Art & Design
  Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
• Literacy
  Develop vocabulary related to plants and flowers, practising speaking and listening skills.
• PSHE
  Work collaboratively and respect others’ ideas.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this week, pupils will:

• Understand the basic parts of a flower and their functions.
• Develop fine motor skills through building and crafting.
• Use descriptive vocabulary to talk about flowers.
• Work cooperatively to build a flower model.
• Apply observational skills during a nature walk.

---

Materials Needed

• Modelling clay or playdough
• Pipe cleaners / straws / sticks
• Coloured card/paper
• Glue, scissors, tape
• Paints, markers
• Magnifying glasses
• Picture books about flowers
• Real flower samples (e.g., daffodils, tulips, daisies)
• Plastic trays for organised working spaces

---

Daily Breakdown

Day 1: Introduction & Observation

Objective: Identify parts of a flower; observe real flowers and pictures.

• Begin with a storytime or picture book about flowers (e.g., "The Tiny Seed").
• Show real flowers. Using magnifying glasses, pupils closely observe petals, stamen, pistil, stem, and leaves.
• Introduce vocabulary using labelled diagrams.
• Pupils sketch a flower, labelling parts as best as they can.
• Discuss as a class what flowers need to grow.

Curriculum Focus: Science – observing and identifying plants.

Day 2: Designing the Flower Model

Objective: Plan and design a model flower using drawings.

• Pupils work in pairs. Recap flower parts.
• Pupils decide which materials they will use to build each flower part.
• Sketch a detailed design of their flower model on paper, labelling parts and colours. Encourage use of descriptive vocabulary.
• Teacher introduces 3D building concepts: structure, balance, stability.
• Groups share designs with class for feedback.

Curriculum Focus: Art & design – designing and planning. Literacy – speaking and listening.

Day 3: Building the Stem and Leaves

Objective: Start building the flower focusing on stem and leaves.

• Pupils begin constructing the stem using sticks, pipe cleaners or straws.
• Attach leaves made from card or clay, discussing shape and colour.
• Teacher supports fine motor skill development with cutting and assembling tips.
• Remind pupils to refer to their design plans.

Curriculum Focus: Art & design – making and shaping materials. Science – reinforcing plant knowledge.

Day 4: Constructing Petals and Flower Head

Objective: Build the petals and flower head; attach to stem.

• Using paper, card, or clay, pupils fashion petals in their chosen colours.
• Assemble flower head, attaching petals and reproductive parts (stamen and pistil).
• Teacher highlights different flower shapes and encourages creativity (e.g., daisy ray petals vs tulip smooth petals).
• Allow time for drying/setting if materials require.

Curriculum Focus: Art & design – applying techniques to create structures. Science – understanding flower function.

Day 5: Presentation and Reflection

Objective: Present completed flower models; reflect on learning.

• Pupils present their flowers to the class, describing parts and materials used.
• Teacher leads a class discussion on what they enjoyed and found challenging.
• Pupils write or dictate a few sentences about their flower using new vocabulary.
• Display models in the classroom or create a flower gallery.
• Optional outdoor planting activity - pupils plant real flowers to continue the theme.

Curriculum Focus: Literacy – speaking, listening, and writing. PSHE – confidence and collaboration.

---

Assessment

• Ongoing formative assessment based on participation and understanding during discussions and activities.
• Teacher observation of pupils’ use of vocabulary and collaboration skills.
• Review pupils’ labelled sketches and final presentations for understanding of flower parts.

---

Differentiation

• Support pupils with fine motor difficulties by providing pre-cut templates or larger materials.
• Challenge more able pupils to research an unusual flower and incorporate its unique features in their model.
• Use visual prompts and sentence starters to support writing tasks.

---

Extension Ideas

• Create a class flower encyclopedia with each pair contributing a page about their flower model.
• Write and perform a short poem or song about flowers.
• Integrate ICT by photographing the models and creating a digital slideshow.

---

This project integrates hands-on practical building with curriculum learning and encourages curiosity, teamwork, and creativity, ensuring engagement and deep learning for Year 2 pupils around the wonderful theme of flowers.