Plants from bulbs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
You can explain that some plants grow from bulbs.
Key learning points
- A bulb is an underground bud or stem of a plant at resting stage.
- Different types of plants can grow from different types of bulbs, such as some flowering plants and vegetables.
- Inside of a bulb is a mini version of the plant waiting to grow, including flower, leaf and root parts.
- The first stage of growth from a bulb is when a root grows downwards and a shoot grows upwards.
- Bulbs can be observed growing into mature plants.
Keywords
Plant - A plant is a living thing that often has roots, stem and leaves
Bulb - Some plants rest under the ground as bulbs
Flower bud - A flower bud will grow into a flower
Hand lens - A hand lens is a tool that makes things look bigger
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all plants grow from seeds.
Show everyday examples of plants that grow from bulbs, as well as plant bulbs to observe them grow.
Teacher tip
Plan for opportunities for pupils to observe and record plant growth from bulbs over several months. Use the suggested chart from Task 3 (or similar) and remember to complete this each month for observation over an extended period of time.
Equipment
Bulbs cut in half (onions), hand lenses, soil, trowels, bulbs (alliums recommended), watering cans
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which part of a plant grows under the soil?
Q2.Which part of a plant can be bright and colourful?
Q3.What is the name of this part of a plant?
Q4.What is the name of the part of this plant that is holding up the flower?
Q5.Which of these is not part of a plant?
Q6.Match these statements about day length.
the weather is warmer.
the weather is colder.
the days are longer.
the days are shorter.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Plants rest as bulbs. Where can bulbs be found most of the time?
Q2.Which statement about bulbs is true?
Q3.Which of these plants can not grow from a bulb?
Q4.Which statement about the inside of a bulb is true?
Q5.When a bulb starts to grow into a plant, a grows down into the soil for water.
Q6.Laura planted some bulbs in September and is disappointed that they haven't grown into plants by October. Why is this?
To help you plan your 2 science lesson on: Plants from bulbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 science lesson on: Plants from bulbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 science lessons from the Growing plants unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.