Growing Together: Planters

Lesson 1: Introduction to Planters

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Class Details

• Year Group: Year 6
• Class Size: 4 students
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Unit: Growing Together: Planter Project (Lesson 1 of 10)

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National Curriculum Links

• Science - Plants (Year 6):
  • Describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants (roots, stem, leaves, flowers).
  • Recognise the importance of plants in providing oxygen and food.
  • Understand how plants grow in different environments.
• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education):
  • Discuss the importance of caring for the environment.
  • Explore teamwork and collaborative planning.
• Design & Technology — Technical Knowledge (linked for future lessons):
  • Identify how materials can be used in creating planters.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Explain what planters are and identify at least three different types commonly used.
2. Describe why plants are important for the environment and human wellbeing.
3. Understand how planters can support the healthy growth of plants.
4. Begin to explore how they might use planters creatively in their project.

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Key Vocabulary

• Planter
• Environment
• Photosynthesis
• Growth
• Ecosystem
• Container gardening
• Soil aeration

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Resources Needed

• Variety of images/photos of different types of planters (clay pots, wooden boxes, hanging baskets, recycled containers)
• Real samples of small planters (if possible)
• Whiteboard/large paper and markers
• A simple infographic showing how plants grow and their environmental benefits
• Plastic or paper cups and soil for an optional quick planting demo (if time permits)
• Sticky notes or small cards for brainstorming activity

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Lesson Outline

1. Engage (5 minutes)

• Begin with a captivating question: "Have you ever grown a plant at home or seen one growing in a special container?"
• Show images of a variety of planters — from traditional clay pots to creative recycled containers.
• Ask students: "Why do you think people use planters instead of planting straight in the ground?"

2. Explore (10 minutes)

• Facilitate a short interactive discussion on the purpose of planters:
  • To provide good soil conditions.
  • To control water drainage.
  • To protect plants from pests.
  • To decorate or beautify an area.
• Introduce the environmental importance of plants (National Curriculum - Science: impact on air quality, food production, and habitats).
• Use the infographic to explain simply how plants improve the environment.
• Highlight how planters contribute to healthy growth by providing controlled conditions.

3. Explain (8 minutes)

• Present key vocabulary visually and reinforce meanings.
• Show real or visual examples of at least three types of planters.
• Ask students to think about what materials they see and why they might be used (linking to durability, drainage, environment).
• Encourage students to suggest what types of plants might thrive best in different planters.

4. Activity: Planter Brainstorm (5 minutes)

• Each student uses sticky notes/cards to list one reason plants are important and one idea for a planter type they’d like to explore in the project.
• Share answers aloud, facilitating a brief group reflection on diversity in planters and how they help plants grow better.

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Assessment & Reflection

• Formative Assessment:

  • Observe participation in discussion and brainstorming.
  • Note understanding of planter purposes and environmental benefits by checking vocabulary use and responses.

• Plenary:

  • Each student shares one new fact learned about planters or plants.
  • Teacher summarises the key points to ensure learning objectives are met.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide visual and tactile examples to support learners with different learning styles.
• Encourage all students to contribute by using simple sentence starters if needed, e.g., “Planters help plants by…”
• Ask open-ended questions to stimulate deeper thinking for more able learners.

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Extension Idea (if time permits)

• Quick planting demo: Each student plants a seed in a small cup planter to observe growth over time.
• Use this as a prompt for later lessons on plant care and observation.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Ensure the environment feels safe and encouraging for sharing ideas.
• Emphasise the connection between science and everyday life — how planters are practical tools helping us care for nature.
• Set the stage for the remaining 9 lessons by inspiring curiosity about plant growth and creativity around planter design.

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This lesson engages Year 6 pupils with scientifically accurate, curriculum-aligned content while fostering enthusiasm for hands-on environmental learning. It integrates knowledge with personal reflection and team collaboration, preparing them for the exciting "Growing Together: Planter Project" ahead!