Observing Plant Growth
Prepare milk jugs before the lesson by cutting away the top half while leaving the handle and base intact to create planting containers. Gather children and explain that they will become plant scientists, growing their own seeds and recording what they observe. Guide each child to fill their container with soil, making a small hole with their finger. Demonstrate how to place a seed in the hole and cover it gently with soil. Help children insert a small ruler into the soil beside the seed to measure future growth. Establish a watering routine and discuss where to place containers for optimal sunlight. Create a simple observation schedule: children will check their plants daily for moisture and record observations weekly through drawings in their journals. Over the following weeks, facilitate observation sessions where children draw their plants, measure growth against the ruler, and describe changes they notice. Conclude the unit by comparing initial and final observations, discussing what helped the plants grow.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Flowers and Plants
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Materials
- Plastic milk jugs (empty, pre-cut)
- Planting soil
- Fast-growing flower or vegetable seeds
- Water
- Small rulers
- Observation journals
Instructions
Prepare milk jugs before the lesson by cutting away the top half while leaving the handle and base intact to create planting containers. Gather children and explain that they will become plant scientists, growing their own seeds and recording what they observe.
Guide each child to fill their container with soil, making a small hole with their finger. Demonstrate how to place a seed in the hole and cover it gently with soil. Help children insert a small ruler into the soil beside the seed to measure future growth.
Establish a watering routine and discuss where to place containers for optimal sunlight. Create a simple observation schedule: children will check their plants daily for moisture and record observations weekly through drawings in their journals.
Over the following weeks, facilitate observation sessions where children draw their plants, measure growth against the ruler, and describe changes they notice. Conclude the unit by comparing initial and final observations, discussing what helped the plants grow.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's ability to follow planting steps and record growth observations over time.