Download Background information

Background information
Seeds require water and warmth to begin to grow. Seeds will begin to germinate
without light but for the seedlings to grow into healthy plants, light will be
required. When seeds start to grow, roots and shoots appear: this is called
germination.
All plants require light, water and the correct temperature to grow healthily.
The growth and developmental patterns of plants are commonly used to classify
plants into groups. Annual plants complete their entire life cycle, from seed to
seed, in a single growing season, whereas biennial plants require two growing
seasons. Perennials grow year after year, often taking years to mature.
Plant growth is often measured as a change in area, length, volume, height,
weight or the number and size of leaves and stems.
Weblinks
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/
Useful images, worksheets and information on the subject of plants can be found
under the section Science and Life Processes.
www.teachingideas.co.uk
This site has more plant information under the Science section.
www.google.co.uk
Use the image search facility with the keywords plants, potted plants or
growing plants to find useful images for producing your own worksheets as
examples during the lesson.
Assessment ideas
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Pupils should explain in their written or oral conversations that without
leaves plants cannot produce food and therefore will not grow.
Higher attaining pupils should use the word photosynthesis correctly.
Pupils should state that without sufficient light and heat plants will not
grow healthily.
Pupils should demonstrate an ability to undertake an experiment fairly and
be confident with labeling a plant in detail.
©learnthings Ltd 2003
Glossary
Word
carpel
chlorophyll
Meaning
part of a flower – made up of an ovary, style and stigma
green pigment found in leaves – absorbs light energy for
photosynthesis
fertilisation
the transfer of pollen into a plant so that it develops seed
germination
when seeds grow they produce tiny roots and shoots – this is
germination
grass
a plant that has long thin leaves and flowers with no bright
petals
leaf
part of the plant that collects sunlight, water and carbon
dioxide
ovary
part of the carpel where ovules are produced
photosynthesis process that plants use to make food using carbon dioxide,
water and light
root
helps keep the plant secure and takes in water and nutrients
from the soil
seeds
after fertilisation, ovules become seeds which become new
plants
stamen
part of a plant where pollen is made
stem
the main body of a plant – can help with holding the plant
upright
stigma
the area at the top of the carpel which pollen grains stick to
style
joins the stigma to the ovary
©learnthings Ltd 2003