KS1 & KS2 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils' prior learning from Growing plants, where they explored how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants and what they need to thrive. In What plants do and what they need, pupils will examine the specific functions of different plant parts, such as roots, stems, and leaves, and how they support the plant’s growth and survival. This prepares them for the next unit, Reproduction and life cycles: plants, where they will explore how plants reproduce and go through life cycles, deepening their understanding of plant biology.

1. What plants need: plan
2. What plants need: do
3. Nutrients and fertilisers for plants (non-statutory)
4. The function of leaves
5. The function of roots
6. Plants without roots
7. How water is transported in plants
8. What plants need: review
9. The function of flowers
10. The parts of a flower
11. Pollination
12. Seed formation and seed dispersal
13. Life cycle of a flowering plant
14. What plants need: final review
15. Comparing what plants need in different habitats

• Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including evergreen and deciduous trees
• Identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common plants, including trees
• Observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants
• Find out and describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow