Asexual reproduction in plants
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how plants can reproduce asexually.
Key learning points
- Plants reproduce to make new plants, or offspring, in different ways.
- Plants can reproduce asexually, which means a single parent plant can reproduce on its own.
- Plants produced asexually are identical to their parent plant; they are clones.
- Bulbs, runners and tubers are examples of asexual plant reproduction.
Keywords
Reproduce - When living things reproduce they create offspring.
Offspring - Living things create offspring when they reproduce.
Parent plant - A parent plant is a plant that has reproduced and created offspring.
Asexual - Asexual reproduction involves one parent and produces offspring that has the same characteristics as the parent.
Clone - Clones are offspring that have been created asexually and have identical characteristics to their parent.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that the only way for plants to reproduce is by making seeds (i.e. as a result of sexual reproduction).
Plants can reproduce asexually in a number of ways. Use the lesson resources to show alternative ways for plants to reproduce that don’t involve pollination, fertilisation and seed formation.
Teacher tip
If possible, allow pupils to observe first-hand some plants with bulbs, runners or tubers to enhance the lesson. They could look at garlic bulbs, a potted spider plant or, if it is the right time of year, an outdoor strawberry plant with runners.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does it mean to be identical to something?
Q2.All living things can reproduce. What does this mean?
Q3.What is the offspring of a living thing?
Q4.The is the part of the plant that allows it to reproduce by making seeds.
Q5.Before flowers can make seeds, they must be pollinated. What is pollination?
Q6.Starting with the one that happens first, put the steps of flowering plant reproduction into the correct order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which statement is correct?
Q2.What is asexual reproduction in plants?
Q3.Which of these is not an example of asexual reproduction in plants?
Q4.Offspring that are produced asexually from a single parent plant are called , which means they are identical to their parent plant.
Q5.Some plants can reproduce asexually using tubers or bulbs. Whereabouts on plants are tubers and bulbs found?
Q6.Some plants can reproduce asexually using runners. What does this mean?
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Asexual reproduction in plants, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Asexual reproduction in plants, 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 2 science lessons from the Reproduction and life cycles: plants unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.