Overview

This 50-minute lesson is lesson 10 of 21 in the unit "Seasons and Living Things" for Year 1 students (age 5-6). Children will identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants—roots, stems, leaves, and flowers—while exploring how these parts contribute to a plant’s survival. The lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for England Science Programme of Study for Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2).

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National Curriculum Links

• Science: Plants (Year 1)
  Pupils should be taught to:

  • Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees.
  • Identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers.

• Working Scientifically (Year 1)

  • Asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways.
  • Observing closely, using simple equipment.
  • Identifying and classifying.
  • Using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Identify the main parts of flowering plants: roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
• Describe the function of each part in helping the plant survive.
• Use simple observational skills to examine real plants.
• Communicate their observations clearly using age-appropriate scientific vocabulary.

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Resources Needed

• Variety of flowering plants or large images/posters of plants showing parts clearly
• Plant parts flashcards (roots, stem, leaves, flowers)
• Magnifying glasses (4)
• Worksheets with labelled diagrams for drawing and matching
• Whiteboard & coloured markers
• Simple ‘Parts of a Plant’ song (optional for engagement)
• Recycled transparent plastic cups & soil for a quick planting demo (optional, if time allows)
• Sticky notes or mini whiteboards for pupil responses

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Lesson Structure and Activities

1. Introduction and Starter (10 minutes)

• Welcome and briefly recap prior knowledge on plants and seasons.
• Interactive brainstorming: Write “What are the parts of a plant?” on the board and encourage students to call out ideas. Use flashcards to confirm or correct answers.
• Show a real flowering plant or a clear, large poster of one. Point to each part as you name it: roots, stem, leaves, flowers.

Curriculum focus: Asking simple questions and recognising different ways to answer.

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2. Exploration and Observation (15 minutes)

• Divide students into four pairs, giving each pair a magnifying glass and either a real plant or detailed picture.
• Question: "Can you find the roots, stem, leaves and flowers on your plant?"
• Provide sheets with labelled diagrams and ask pupils to point to parts as they find them.
• Discuss the function of each part:
  • Roots: keep the plant in the soil and take water up.
  • Stem: holds the plant up and carries water.
  • Leaves: catch sunlight and make food.
  • Flowers: help make seeds for new plants.
• Use simple, clear language and encourage children to repeat the functions.

Curriculum focus: Observing closely and identifying/classifying parts of plants.

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3. Interactive Group Activity (15 minutes)

• “Plant Part Detective” game:
  • Lay out flashcards with descriptions/functions (e.g., “I carry water…” or “I make food…”) face down.
  • Students take turns picking a card, reading the clue (with adult help if needed) and matching it to the correct plant part card placed on the floor or board.
• Once matched, each student explains why the clue fits that part, reinforcing understanding.
• Support with signs or simplified prompts if needed.

Curriculum focus: Using observations to explain answers; developing scientific vocabulary.

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4. Consolidation and Recording (7 minutes)

• Hand out worksheets where pupils draw their own flowering plant and label parts (roots, stem, leaves, flower).
• For low ability learners, provide partial outlines or cut-outs to stick on the worksheet.
• Circulate and support pupils by asking: “What does this part do?” and helping label accordingly.

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5. Plenary and Assessment (3 minutes)

• Quick oral quiz: Ask each pupil to name one part of a flowering plant and say what it does.
• Use sticky notes or mini whiteboards — pupils write/draw one thing they learned and show to the group.
• Praise effort and recall, providing positive reinforcement.

Assessment: Formative assessment through oral questions and worksheet completion.

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Differentiation

• Support: Use labelled visuals and one-to-one adult support for pupils with additional needs.
• Challenge: Ask more able students to think about why some plants have different shaped leaves or flowers.
• Sensory: Include tactile elements such as touching real leaves and stems.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Literacy: New vocabulary words (roots, stem, leaves, flower) embedded through discussion and worksheets.
• Art: Drawing plants encourages fine motor control and observation.
• PSHE: Caring for plants promotes respect for living things.

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Extension Ideas (if time permits or for home learning)

• Plant a seed in a transparent cup to observe root and stem growth over time.
• Make a simple craft flower labelling each part with sticky notes.
• Sing a ‘Parts of the Plant’ song to reinforce learning.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Use enthusiastic tone and praise to keep engagement high.
• Ensure checking for understanding as you move through activities by asking simple, targeted questions.
• Keep vocabulary simple but correct, modelling new words clearly several times.
• This lesson builds on basic plant knowledge and prepares pupils for future lessons on plant growth and life cycles.

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This detailed, hands-on approach will help Year 1 pupils meet National Curriculum objectives and foster a love of plants and science through meaningful discovery.