New
New
Comparing what plants need in different habitats
I can compare how the requirements of plants can vary from plant to plant.
Lesson 15 of 15
New
New
- Year 3
Comparing what plants need in different habitats
I can compare how the requirements of plants can vary from plant to plant.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A good habitat for a plant provides a combination of air, light, water, nutrients from the soil and room to grow.
- The requirements of plants for life and growth vary from plant to plant.
- Different habitats provide different conditions that plants need to survive.
- A plant which grows well in the desert would not survive in the Arctic.
- A plant which thrives in wetlands would not survive in dry climates.
Keywords
Requirements - The requirements of something are the things it needs.
Habitat - The place where a plant or animal lives is called its habitat.
Vary - To vary is to differ or change.
Conditions - Living things need certain conditions to grow and be healthy.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all plants need exactly the same things, in the same quantities, in order to survive and grow.
Use the lesson resources to explain how plant requirements differ from plant to plant.
If possible, provide some seed packets for pupils to explore and compare the different requirements listed for the different types of plants. You could also show them some potted plants that still have the information tags sitting in the soil.
Teacher tip
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a habitat?
What is a habitat?
the bed or nest an animal sleeps in
the time an animal goes to sleep over winter
Q2.Which of these habitats has very cold temperatures?
Which of these habitats has very cold temperatures?
rainforest
desert
Q3.Which of these habitats has very hot, dry conditions?
Which of these habitats has very hot, dry conditions?
rainforest
Arctic
Q4.Match the part of the plant to its function.
Match the part of the plant to its function.
Q5.Plants have certain requirements to survive and grow. What are requirements?
Plants have certain requirements to survive and grow. What are requirements?
places they can grow
tests they have to pass
Q6.What does it mean for something to vary?
What does it mean for something to vary?
it is always the same
it is very unusual
it takes a lot of time
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A good habitat for a plant provides the right combination of air, light, water, nutrients from the soil and …
A good habitat for a plant provides the right combination of air, light, water, nutrients from the soil and …
food to eat.
a nice plant pot.
Q2.This plant needs very little water and hot temperatures. Which habitat would best meet its requirements?
This plant needs very little water and hot temperatures. Which habitat would best meet its requirements?
pond
Arctic
Q3.This plant needs lots of water and can survive in cool and warm temperatures. Which habitat would best meet its requirements?
This plant needs lots of water and can survive in cool and warm temperatures. Which habitat would best meet its requirements?
desert
Arctic
Q4.Which statement is correct?
Which statement is correct?
All plants need exactly the same things.
All plants need humans to look after them.
Q5.If a plant’s requirements are not met, it will not be able to .
If a plant’s requirements are not met, it will not be able to .
Q6.Many types of plant can only survive in certain habitats. Why can’t they survive in all types of habitat?
Many types of plant can only survive in certain habitats. Why can’t they survive in all types of habitat?
Because plants don’t like some habitats.
Because some habitats don’t have any bees for pollination.
