Teaching sequence

Lesson objective

In this lesson students identify the various parts of a plant that enable plants to be classified.

Introduction

Introduce the term ‘botanist’ and describe what they do. Remind students of the importance of discovering new plants and how these discoveries can often benefit humans (food chain and new medicines).

Core

1. Complete the worksheet Fruit or vegetable? (Word, 392 KB). 
2. Use the learning object Plant scan to help students identify the parts of a plant.
3. Show pictures of many different types of plants.
   Teacher note: For links to images of plants for this activity see Background information (Word, 390 KB).
4. Divide students into groups to discuss where the plants might be found and to identify the different parts of the plant. Discuss how plants can vary over seasons and life cycles.
5. Complete the worksheet Different plants, different times (PDF, 3.7 MB). Discuss the features scientists might need to identify in order to determine a new species.
6. Distribute the worksheet Plant morphology (PDF, 691 KB) and then instruct students to complete the worksheet What plant am I? (Word, 390 KB).
7. Have students identify a useful plant in their local area. Where is it found? What is it used for? How will they identify it from other plants?

Conclusion

Discuss the different science careers that use classification techniques. Complete the activity Scientific illustrations (Word, 391 KB).