Plants | Whole Class
In this 20-minute whole-class STEM lesson, students learn the basic needs of plants, identify plant parts, and connect plants to their environment through simple discussion and observation.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Plant | A living thing that grows in soil or water and makes its own food using sunlight. |
| Roots | The part of a plant that holds it in place and absorbs water and nutrients. |
| Stem | The part of a plant that supports it and carries water to other parts. |
| Leaves | The parts of a plant where food is made using sunlight. |
| Sunlight | Light from the sun that plants need to grow. |
| Water | A liquid plants need to stay alive and grow. |
Show a plant or plant picture and ask, 'What do you notice about this plant?' Write a few student ideas on the board.
Observe the plant and share simple observations.
Briefly explain the basic parts of a plant: roots, stem, leaves, and flower if present. Tell students that plants need sunlight, water, air, and soil to grow.
Listen, repeat key vocabulary, and point to parts on the plant or diagram.
Ask the class to name each plant part and tell its job. Use a quick call-and-response format. Example: 'What do roots do?'
Answer questions, label parts orally, and participate in class discussion.
Have students draw a simple plant and label roots, stem, and leaves. Walk around to support.
Draw and label a plant diagram.
Review the key idea: plants are living things that need water, sunlight, air, and nutrients to grow.
Share one thing they learned.
End by asking students to say one plant part and one thing plants need. Reinforce that plants are important living things that help many other living things.