Structure of a tree
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can name different parts of trees.
Key learning points
- Trees are plants and are made up of different parts
- Trees have roots hidden under the ground
- The stem of a tree is often known as the trunk
- Branches and twigs grow out of the trunk to support leaves, flowers and fruit
- Different parts of trees can be identified and named using observation skills
Keywords
Tree - A tree is a plant which has a trunk supporting leaves and branches.
Roots - The part of a plant that anchors it in the soil is called the root. Roots take in water for the plant.
Trunk - The trunk of a tree is its main stem. The trunk is usually covered in protective bark.
Branches - The branches of a tree are the parts that grow out from its trunk and have leaves.
Leaves - A leaf is the part of a plant where the plant makes its food using the process of photosynthesis.
Common misconception
Children may not realise that trees are plants.
Explanation that trees are a type of plant.
Teacher tip
Try exploring different trees and comparing bark and leaf rubbings. This is a great opportunity to create your own class tree display using the work that the children have created as part of this lesson.
Equipment
Outdoor access to a range of trees.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is a plant?
Q2.Which of these is not a plant?
Q3.True or false? Plants only grow inside in pots.
Q4.Scientists can identify plants by looking closely at them. What does identify mean?
Q5.Scientists look closely at plants to see how they grow and change. What skill are they using?
Q6.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?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Trees are plants that are made up of different parts.
Q2.The stem of a tree is called a ...
Q3.Which of the following is not a part of a tree?
Q4.Which skill do we use to help us to name different parts of trees?
Q5.Branches and twigs support ...
Q6.Lucas draws a picture of a tree. Which part of the tree has he forgotten?
To help you plan your 1 science lesson on: Structure of a tree, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 science lesson on: Structure of a tree, 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 Identifying plants and their basic parts unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.