A tree is a plant which has a trunk supporting leaves and branches.

The part of a plant that anchors it in the soil is called the root. Roots take in water for the plant.

The trunk of a tree is its main stem. The trunk is usually covered in protective bark.

The branches of a tree are the parts that grow out from its trunk and have leaves.

A leaf is the part of a plant where the plant makes its food using the process of photosynthesis.

Structure of a tree

Science

In this Identifying plants and their basic parts unit pupils will compare and contrast familiar plants. In the Growing Plants unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn what plants need to grow and stay healthy

Pupils will draw upon exploration of growing and caring for plants in EYFS and their own everyday experiences. In this Identifying plants and their basic parts unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify and name a variety of common plants and describe their basic structure

This unit focuses on identifying and naming common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees. It covers the basic structure of flowering plants and trees. Emphasis is on asking questions, observing closely, classifying, and gathering data to suggest answers to questions.

Identifying plants and their basic parts

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

True or false? Trees are plants that are made up of different parts.

Which of the following is **not** a part of a tree?

Which skill do we use to help us to name different parts of trees?

Lucas draws a picture of a tree. Which part of the tree has he forgotten?

True or false? Plants only grow inside in pots.

Identify means being able to name a plant correctly.

Identify means checking how tall a plant is.

Scientists can identify plants by looking closely at them. What does identify mean?

Scientists look closely at plants to see how they grow and change. What skill are they using?

Plants grow and change throughout the year.

The tree is ill so all the leaves are falling off.

Someone has painted the leaves a different colour.

Laura is observing a sycamore tree. She notices that some of the leaves have turned from green to orange and that some branches have no leaves on them. Why do you think this is?

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Structure of a tree

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.