Covers: Activity Resources Relation to National Curriculum Downloads
Activity One - Plant A Seed

Activity 1

Plant A Seed
Activity Two - Create A Garden Collage

Activity 2

Create A Garden Collage
  • You can use as few or as many of these resources for this activity as you like:
  • Plant picture books
  • Garden magazines
  • Tissue paper
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Crayons / pens
  • Stickers of insects / flowers / plants
  • Scissors
  • Paper A4 / A3
  • Glue
Activity Three - Go On A Plant Hunt

Activity 3

Go On A Plant Hunt
Activity Four - Deciduous And Evergreen Trees

Activity 4

Deciduous And Evergreen Trees
Activity Five - Leaf Printing

Activity 5

Leaf Printing
  • Some dry leaves
  • Paper A4 / A3
  • Water-based Paint - Autumn colours: green / orange / red / or whatever they choose
  • Paintbrushes
Activity Six - Observe And Draw A Leaf

Activity 6

Observe And Draw A Leaf
  • A leaf
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Magnifying glass (optional)
Activity Seven - Bark Rubbing

Activity 7

Bark Rubbing
  • Interesting tree
  • Paper
  • Wax crayons
Activity Eight - Observe And Draw Sticks

Activity 8

Observe And Draw Sticks
  • A variety of sticks
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Magnifying glass (optional)
Activity Nine - Identify The Structure Of Plants

Activity 9

Identify The Structure Of Plants
Websites

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK, established in 1972. Its primary mission is to protect, restore, and create native woodlands to benefit both nature and people. The organization has planted over 50 million trees and currently manages more than 1,000 woods, covering over 24,700 hectares, with a significant portion being ancient woodland.

Key Objectives and Activities

  1. Protection of Ancient Woodlands: The Woodland Trust focuses on safeguarding ancient woodlands, which are unique and irreplaceable habitats. It actively campaigns to prevent their destruction and works on restoring damaged sites.
  2. Tree Planting Initiatives: The Trust promotes the planting of native trees and the creation of new woodlands, contributing to biodiversity and climate resilience. They offer free trees to schools and communities to encourage local woodland creation.
  3. Public Engagement and Education: The Trust aims to inspire a love for woods and trees through public access to its sites and educational programs. It encourages community involvement in monitoring local wildlife and climate change impacts through initiatives like Nature’s Calendar.
  4. Advocacy and Research: The organization uses its expertise to influence government policies related to woodland conservation and conducts research to inform its conservation strategies.

Website Offerings

  • Visitor Information: Details about the over 1,000 woods available for public exploration, including maps and tips for enjoying these natural spaces.
  • Educational Resources: Guides on identifying British trees, planting advice, and information on the ecological benefits of trees and woodlands.
  • Campaigns and Initiatives: Updates on ongoing campaigns and projects aimed at woodland conservation and community engagement.
  • Membership and Support: Options for individuals to become members, donate, or support specific projects, helping to fund the Trust's activities and initiatives.
  • Blog and News: Articles and updates on various topics related to trees, wildlife, and conservation efforts, fostering community awareness and engagement.

The Woodland Trust is dedicated to ensuring that woods and trees thrive for future generations, making its website a valuable resource for anyone interested in conservation, nature, and community involvement.

Plants Around Us Activities

Activity One - Plant A Seed

Activity 1

Plant A Seed

Hands-On Activities:
Activity Two - Create A Garden Collage

Activity 2

Create A Garden Collage

Hands-On Activities:
  • You can use as few or as many of these resources for this activity as you like:
  • Plant picture books
  • Garden magazines
  • Tissue paper
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Crayons / pens
  • Stickers of insects / flowers / plants
  • Scissors
  • Paper A4 / A3
  • Glue
Activity Three - Go On A Plant Hunt

Activity 3

Go On A Plant Hunt

Hands-On Activities:
Activity Four - Deciduous And Evergreen Trees

Activity 4

Deciduous And Evergreen Trees

Hands-On Activities:
Activity Five - Leaf Printing

Activity 5

Leaf Printing

Hands-On Activities:
  • Some dry leaves
  • Paper A4 / A3
  • Paint - Autumn colours: green / orange / red / or whatever they choose
  • Paintbrushes
Activity Six - Observe And Draw A Leaf

Activity 6

Observe And Draw A Leaf

Hands-On Activities:
  • A leaf
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Magnifying glass (optional)
Activity Seven - Bark Rubbing

Activity 7

Bark Rubbing

Hands-On Activities:
  • Interesting tree
  • Paper
  • Wax crayons
Activity Eight - Observe And Draw Sticks

Activity 8

Observe And Draw Sticks

Hands-On Activities:
  • A variety of sticks
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Magnifying glass (optional)
Activity Nine - Identify The Structure Of Plants

Activity 9

Identify The Structure Of Plants

Hands-On Activities:

Plants Around Us Booklist

What are some possible misconceptions that teachers and parents should be aware of when teaching about plants?

Plants Around Us Activity

When teaching about plants, teachers should be aware of several common misconceptions that students may have. One common misconception is that to be alive, something must move. Students may not realize that seeds are alive, even though they do not move, and are simply dormant until the conditions are right for growth. Another misconception is that vegetables are separate from the plant kingdom. Helping students understand that vegetables come from plants and identifying which part of the plant we eat can clarify this misconception. By addressing these misconceptions and providing hands-on activities like observing seeds grow or growing vegetables, teachers can help students develop a more accurate understanding of plants and their life cycle.

What resources are available to support the teaching of plants in Year One?

Plants Around Us Activity

To support the teaching of plants in Year One, a wide range of resources is available. These resources include lesson plans, activities, and interactive materials specifically designed for Year One students. They cover various aspects of plant study, such as identifying common wild and garden plants, understanding the structure of flowering plants, and engaging in hands-on activities like growing plants from seeds. Additionally, there are resources focused on plant parts and their functions, growing sunflowers, exploring seeds, observing plant growth, and learning about trees. These resources aim to develop students' knowledge and understanding of plants through interactive and engaging activities that cater to different learning styles. Teachers can access these resources through the primary science webpage, which offers a comprehensive list of tools and materials to facilitate effective teaching and learning about plants in Year One.

How can children be engaged in growing sunflowers and making plant pots at home?

Plants Around Us Activity

Children can be engaged in growing sunflowers and making plant pots at home by involving them in hands-on activities that promote learning and creativity. One way to engage children is by starting with sunflowers, as they have large seeds that are easy for little fingers to handle. Encourage children to observe the seeds, predict what they might become, and discuss whether they are living or non-living. Planting the seeds in spring allows children to make weekly observations by drawing what they see as the plants grow. This activity not only fosters curiosity and observation skills but also teaches children about the concept of dormancy in living organisms.

Additionally, involving children in the process of making plant pots can be a fun and educational experience. Encourage children to get creative with materials like clay, recycled containers, or even homemade paper pots. This hands-on activity allows children to explore their artistic side while learning about the importance of providing suitable containers for plants to grow in.

Furthermore, incorporating literacy into the experience by reading stories related to sunflowers, plants, or nature can enhance children's understanding and appreciation for the growth process. Reading a story like "The Sunflower" as a class can spark discussions, inspire imagination, and deepen children's connection to the plants they are growing.

Overall, engaging children in the process of growing sunflowers and making plant pots at home involves a combination of hands-on activities, observation, creativity, and literary exploration. By making learning interactive and interdisciplinary, children can develop a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment around them.

How can children be taught to describe the basic structure of common flowering plants, including trees?

Plants Around Us Activity

Children can be effectively taught to describe the basic structure of common flowering plants, including trees, through an engaging and interactive approach. A recommended method is to use a series of visual aids such as slides to introduce children to the main parts of plants, including the roots, stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Following this introduction, arranging a visit to a garden can provide hands-on experience for children to observe and identify different flowering plants in real life.

During the garden visit, encourage children to actively explore and interact with various plants, allowing them to closely examine the different parts and understand their functions. This practical experience can enhance their knowledge and enable them to make connections between the parts of a plant and their roles in the plant's growth and reproduction.

To further reinforce their learning, consider facilitating a post-visit activity where children can utilize photographs taken during the garden visit. Encourage them to label the different parts of the plant shown in the images, thereby enabling them to practice and consolidate their understanding of plant structures. This labeling exercise can be conducted back in the classroom, providing a structured way for children to review and reinforce their knowledge.

By incorporating visual aids, hands-on experiences in a garden setting, and interactive post-visit activities, children can effectively learn to describe the basic structure of common flowering plants, including trees. This comprehensive approach fosters a deeper understanding of plant anatomy and cultivates an appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the plant kingdom.

How can children be taught to identify and name common wild and garden plants?

Plants Around Us Activity

Children can be taught to identify and name common wild and garden plants through comprehensive lesson plans, activities, and interactive resources designed specifically for Year One students. The curriculum includes tips on using resources effectively, suggestions for further engagement, and background subject knowledge to address potential misconceptions. Teachers are encouraged to structure lessons in a way that fosters accurate conceptual understanding. The objective is to cover the requirements for knowledge and understanding while also emphasizing scientific inquiry skills.

Specifically, children are expected to be able to identify and name various types of wild and garden plants, such as deciduous and evergreen trees. Additionally, they should be able to describe the basic structure of common flowering plants, including trees. By engaging in these structured activities and lessons, children can develop the skills needed to recognize and classify the plant life they encounter in both natural and cultivated settings.

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