Download Plant Explorer

Plant Explorer
(Plant Hunter)
KS2
Find the brightly coloured, interactive signs in the Zoo and learn
about shape, form and function of plants.
Curriculum links: SC2 Life Processes and Living Things (Life
Processes, Green Plants and Living Things in their Environment).
Resources required in the Zoo: Self-directed learning at each of
the 5 signs (no paper or pencils required)
Location in the Zoo: In and around Roman Garden and Oakfield
lawn.
Things to do in school beforehand: Download the map and find the
Roman Garden and Oakfield Lawn. Read through the information
supplied and the possible extension work within the Zoo.
Why animals need plants
This sign is found on the fence near the glasshouses on Oakfield
lawn.
Animals use plants in many different ways, not just as a source of
food. This sign encourages pupils to think about the ways in which
animals use plants.
Suggested extension work:
In the Zoo: Encourage pupils to explore the animal enclosures in
this area and find examples of animals using plants. The following
animals can be found in this area: several species of owl, species
of parrot, Bongos, Red-crowned Cranes and Red Pandas.
In the classroom: Pupils could explore how animals use different
habitats and how animals are adapted to these environments.
Bertie’s food challenge
This sign is found on the Oakfield Lawn under the Sweet Chestnut
tree.
It challenges pupils to think about where the food they eat every
day comes from. Bertie Bee asks the question, ‘How many items in
the packed lunch come from plants?’ The idea behind this sign is
to get pupils to think about where food comes from and about food
chains.
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Suggested extension work:
In the Zoo: While having lunch discuss where all of the food comes
from. Don’t forget packaging as most of that can originate from
plant material.
In the classroom: Investigate food webs and food chains
Finding the height of a tree
This sign is found on the Oakfield Lawn under the Birch tree.
Growth is a characteristic of all living things.
Activity:
 Pupils can use this fun way to find the height of the tree.
 Pupils could discuss whether it is an accurate method of
measuring the height of a tree.
Suggested extension work:
In the Zoo: Find the height of other trees in the Zoo.
In the classroom: Look at ways to measure growth. Collect tree
seeds, plant them and watch them grow.
Large leaves
This sign is found at the Oakfield Lawn in the flower border next to
the Roman Garden.
Green plants make their own food by a process called
photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is where green plants, mainly the
leaves, using energy from the sun convert carbon dioxide and
water into glucose and release oxygen as a waste product.
sunlight
carbon dioxide + water ---------- > glucose+ oxygen given off
green leaf
Leaves are adapted to absorb the maximum amount of light.
Pupils are asked to find different shapes and sizes of leaf. How are
the leaves arranged on the stem? Where do you find the largest
leaves?
Suggested extension work:
In the Zoo: Visit the Grow Zone (Tropical and Arid areas) and look
at the different shapes of the leaves.
In the classroom: Collect leaves from outside the classroom and
compare their shapes and arrangements.
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Who smells best?
This sign is found at the Roman Garden.
The leaves of green plants are able to produce their own food by
photosynthesis. Herbivores eat plants. Some plants produce a
smell when the leaves are damaged e.g. being eaten by an
animal. This smell stops the animal eating more of the leaves.
Note it’s only when the leaves are damaged that the smell is
produced.
Activity:
 Using fingers, pupils will gently rub the leaves of plants and
try to identify the smell and to work out why the leaves
produce the smells.
 Look around the Roman Garden to discover how we use
plants.
Suggested extension work:
In the Zoo: Find other ways that plants protect themselves from
being eaten by animals e.g. stings, thorns. Look around the
Roman Garden and Glasshouses.
In the classroom: Take a closer look at animal and plant
relationships. Animals need plants to survive, but do plants need
animals to survive? Discuss how animals help plants e.g. spread
seeds, pollinate flowers etc.
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