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      Plants from seeds

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      You can explain that most plants produce seeds, which grow into new plants.

      Key learning points

      1. Most plants produce seeds which grow into new plants.
      2. Different types of plants can grow from different types of seeds, including trees, fruit and vegetables.
      3. Different types of seeds can be compared and grouped using observation skills.
      4. The first stage of growth from a seed is when a root grows downwards and a shoot grows upwards.
      5. Seeds can be observed growing into mature plants.

      Keywords

      • Plant - A plant is a living thing that often has roots, stem and leaves

      • Seed - A seed is made by a plant and grows into a new plant

      • Root - The root is the part of a plant that is under the ground

      • Shoot - The shoot is the part we see above ground when the plant starts to grow

      • Hand lens - A hand lens is a tool that makes things look bigger

      Common misconception

      Pupils may think plants appear from the ground or that big plants like trees do not grow from seeds.

      Ensure first-hand experience of handling and planting a range of seeds, and observing them grow.

      Teacher tip

      Mixed seeds can be bought from local supermarkets, check for a variety of different shapes, colours and sizes. When planting, use quick germinating seeds such as broad bean seeds. The plants grown from seeds today will also be used in lessons 3-7

      Equipment

      Mixed seeds, compost, small pots, large spoons, broad bean seeds, water sprays/watering cans

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Exploration of objects

      Supervision

      Adult supervision 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

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is a plant?

      salmon
      Correct answer: oak tree
      kitten

      Q2.
      Which of these is not a plant?

      Correct answer: frog
      grass
      tulip

      Q3.
      Which of these is a plant?

      Correct answer: apple tree
      soil
      worm

      Q4.
      Which statement about vegetables is true?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: All vegetables we eat come from plants.
      Some vegetables we eat come from plants.
      No vegetables we eat come from plants.

      Q5.
      Which statement about trees is true?

      Trees are not plants.
      Correct answer: Trees are plants.
      Trees are something in between plants and not plants.

      Q6.
      Which statement about flowers is true?

      Flowers are not parts of plants.
      All plants have flowers.
      Correct answer: Some plants have flowers.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What do most plants make that grow into new plants?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: seeds, seed

      Q2.
      Which of these statements about trees is true?

      Correct answer: Trees grow from seeds.
      Trees grow from something different to seeds.
      Trees are put in the ground by people.

      Q3.
      Which of these statements about seeds is true?

      All seeds are the same shape.
      All seeds are the same size.
      Correct answer: Different types of seeds are different shapes and sizes.

      Q4.
      Match the name with what it is.

      Correct Answer:seed,part made by a plant
      Correct Answer:root,part that grows down into the soil
      Correct Answer:shoot,part that grows up above the ground

      Q5.
      When the roots push out of the seed, they grow down into the soil 'searching' for .

      Correct Answer: water

      Q6.
      Starting with the roots, put in order what happens when a seed starts to grow.

      1 - Roots grow down for water.
      2 - Shoots grow up for sunlight.
      3 - Stem and leaves grow above the soil.

      To help you plan your 2 science lesson on: Plants from seeds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...