Our Reception science plants and growth unit helps pupils explore seeds, plants and life cycles through practical investigation, close observation and hands-on learning. Part of the Scintillating Science scheme, this engaging EYFS science unit encourages children to observe how plants grow and change over time while developing early scientific vocabulary and enquiry skills.
Designed around the disciplinary knowledge pupils need for Year 1 science and beyond, each lesson develops a different working scientifically skill including observing closely, asking questions, performing simple tests, noticing changes and talking about observations. Children plant seeds, compare plants, explore textures and record growth through practical activities linked to the EYFS Framework and Understanding the World.
Children investigate what plants need to grow while learning vocabulary such as seed, root, stem, leaf, soil and grow. Practical investigations encourage pupils to compare plants, notice similarities and differences, and discuss changes over time using scientific language.
The unit includes detailed lesson planning, interactive teaching slides, differentiated activity sheets, knowledge organisers and assessment opportunities. Lessons combine short whole-class carpet inputs with practical adult-led and independent activities designed to encourage curiosity, observation and scientific talk.
Looking for the full EYFS science curriculum?
Visit our EYFS science page to explore curriculum coverage, progression and long-term planning.
This unit can be taught at any point during the year as part of your Reception science curriculum. All Reception science units are flexible and can be taught in any order. However, we recommend teaching the Mini-Scientists unit last, as it draws together knowledge and enquiry skills developed across the other units while helping prepare pupils for Year 1 science.
Teach Reception science plants and growth through practical investigations and purposeful play that help pupils explore seeds, planting and how living things change over time. Children observe plant growth, compare leaves and flowers, and investigate what plants need to survive while developing early scientific vocabulary and enquiry skills.
Aligned with the EYFS Framework, this unit supports Understanding the World through observation, prediction, comparison and discussion. Lessons are flexible enough to be taught as part of wider Reception topics or as stand-alone science lessons across the year.
