4-7 (KS1)

An activity for the Foundation Years to KS2 in order to observe seed germination.

A method using film pots (adapted from the traditional 4-pot technique), suitable for primary aged children, and useful to illustrate the whole life cycle in a short space of time and with plants that are small enough to keep in the classroom.

Fruits, Seeds and their Dispersal

This series of activities gives pupils an opportunity to explore different aspects of fruits and seeds and to understand how (and why) they are dispersed.

Finding out about the number of flower parts

This activity is useful to help develop numeracy skills, as the children have opportunities for work on numbers and then link the pattern of numbers or parts in different flowers.

How fast does a root grow?

In this activity, seeds are grown in Petri dishes so children can make direct observations of the roots as they grow. The activity requires measurements over a number of days. The conversion of the results to growth rate makes links with numeracy skills.

Plants & Literacy - Design a seed packet

Another seed from a newly discovered plant . . . an activity that stimulates discussion (on what seeds need to grow), gives the children an opportunity for writing instructional texts and requires creative thinking in the design of the packet

Plants & Literacy - Do plants need soil to grow?

A Pupil Sheet encourages the children to write about their investigation - what they need, what they will do, what they predict will happen, what did happen and what they found out

Create a Plant

Suggestions as to how to make a plant using a variety of materials . . . drinking straws for the stem, pipe cleaners or wool for the roots and all sorts of ideas for the flower - an opportunity to be creative and develop cross-curricular links

Create a Flower

Suggestions as to how to make a flower using a variety of materials . . . see the ideas listed and let the children be creative (and an opportunity to develop cross-curricular links)

Designing a Seed

Using junk materials to make their seed, this activity provides an opportunity for creative thinking and developing literacy and presentation skills - children are asked to design a seed from a newly discovered plant and their discussions can link to the topics of both seed germination and seed dispersal.

Having Fun Growing Plants

This activity gives children a chance to bring their own ideas and materials and have real fun trying to grow some plants. Some ‘seeds’ are likely to be more successful than others, but a little exploring and watching what happens can bring its own surprises and excitement. The children may need to be patient as some things they bring in could take quite a long time before they germinate – perhaps a term or more.

How tall are you in leaves?

An activity that can be used as an example of making non-standard measurements and hence illustrating the importance of using standard measurements.

Food Miles

This activity stimulates students to think about the long distances travelled by foods. This activity, based on an original idea developed at Kew, is treated very simply here, but of course it could lead to much deeper issues such as types of transport, how long and how far food has travelled, pollution, cutting down forests and the effect on wildlife and local people.

Are you a plant eater? Plants in our daily lives

This activity is designed to help pupils become more aware of plants and how we use or interact with them in our everyday lives, by discussing the range of plants available to us and the different parts of the plant that are eaten.

A Leaf in Time - A Popular Introduction to Photosynthesis

Using photosynthesis as the link, this beautifully produced book looks at a range of topics of interest to pupils especially at Y5 and 6 (animals and plants are interdependent, process of photosynthesis, greenhouse effect, energy conservation)

Distance learning resources

Here you will find a selection of resources that have been carefully selected with your students in mind. The resources contain a mixture of videos, animations, practicals and some which are intended for learning outside where possible. Grouped by the anticipated age of the students, we have tried to be mindful of availability of equipment in order to undertake these activities. Over the coming weeks we will be adding to this bank of resources so watch this space.

Using Venus' Fly Trap in the Lab

One of the SAPS Star Plants, Darwin called the Venus' Fly Trap 'one of the most wonderful plants in the world'. Great for teaching about adaptation and interdependence.

Using Cress in the Lab

Cress seeds are cheap and easy to grow, and offer a useful way to look at the germination process.

Using Broad Beans in the Lab

Broad beans are quick and reliable to germinate in the lab, and an excellent example for topics including nutrient cycles, nitrogen fixation and mutualism.

Using Mung Beans in the Lab

Mung beans are cheap, reliable and easy to germinate, and offer a useful way to look at topics including plant growth, cells, plant nutrition and hydroponics.

Articles tagged as "4-7 (KS1)"