Plant Parts and Functions Lesson
Learning Objective: Pupils can name the parts of a plant and explain what each part does
About this resource
This comprehensive lesson plan provides everything you need to teach Year 2 pupils about the different parts of a plant and their individual functions. It includes engaging activities and clear explanations to help children understand how plants grow and survive, directly supporting the living things and their habitats topic within the UK National Curriculum for Science.
Starter
10 minutesGive each table a real plant (in a pot). Ask: 'Can you name any parts of this plant?' Pupils label what they know on a whiteboard drawing.
Main Activity
30 minutesPart 1: Plant Parts Song Teach a simple song about plant parts: 'Roots go down, stems go up, leaves catch light, flowers open up!'
Part 2: Label and Learn Using a large plant diagram, teach each part:
- Roots: anchor the plant, absorb water and nutrients from soil
- Stem: supports the plant, carries water from roots to leaves
- Leaves: make food using sunlight (photosynthesis)
- Flower: makes seeds for new plants
- Petals: attract insects for pollination
Part 3: Plant Dissection Carefully take apart a real flower (e.g., lily or daffodil). Identify and label each part. Stick parts onto paper and label them.
Plenary
10 minutesQuick quiz: Teacher points to a plant part, pupils shout its name and function. Pupils complete: 'The most important thing I learned about plants today is...'
Differentiation
SEN Support
Pre-labelled diagram with some blanks. Simplified function descriptions. Paired dissection.
EAL Support
Visual plant parts poster. Key vocabulary: root, stem, leaf, flower. Hands-on dissection reduces language barrier.
Gifted & Talented
Research photosynthesis in more detail. Design an experiment to test what plants need to grow.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can name 4 main plant parts
- Can describe the function of each part
- Can identify parts on a real plant