Reception Science Block 4: Plants and Growth
Reception Science: Plants and Growth
Our Reception science plants and growth unit is a practical EYFS science unit that helps pupils observe, compare and investigate the natural world through seeds and plant growth. Part of the Scintillating Science programme and aligned with the EYFS Framework, it supports early enquiry skills through questioning, close observation and simple recording.
These Reception science lesson plans include teaching slides, differentiated activity sheets, knowledge organisers and assessment opportunities, making them ideal for teachers looking for engaging Reception science activities linked to Understanding the World.
View lesson overview and skills
Reception science lessons in this unit
- Lesson 1: Finding similarities and differences
- Lesson 2: Being curious and asking questions
- Lesson 3: Performing simple tests and using equipment
- Lesson 4: Using senses to observe and look closely
- Lesson 5: Looking closely and noticing changes
- Lesson 6: Making simple records and talking about observations
Key skills developed throughout
- Talking about what I have done and noticed
- Observing growth and change over time
- Comparing seeds, plants and leaves using descriptive vocabulary
- Recording observations using drawings, labels, photos or simple charts
Reception science plants and growth lesson plans and resources
Teach Reception science plants and growth with a practical unit that helps pupils explore seeds, planting and how living things change over time. Part of the Scintillating Science programme and aligned with the EYFS Framework, this unit supports Understanding the World and builds early enquiry skills through observation, prediction and hands-on investigation.
It’s ideal for teachers looking for Reception science lesson plans, EYFS plants activities, or child-friendly Reception science worksheets and activity sheets that support talk, measuring and simple recording.
What’s included?
- Step-by-step planning for every lesson
- Interactive teaching slides for whole-class and group input
- Differentiated activity sheets and recording pages for Reception science
- Knowledge organisers to support key vocabulary and understanding
- Hands-on investigation tasks such as seed sorting, measuring plants and growth logs
- Assessment opportunities to help track pupil progress through observation and discussion
Working scientifically in Reception
- Ask and answer questions about how seeds grow into plants
- Observe and compare seeds, leaves and plants using senses and simple equipment
- Use tools such as cubes, rulers or tally marks to measure and record growth
- Keep a simple plant growth log and talk about changes over time
- Use observations to explain what plants need to grow and stay healthy
Key learning outcomes
- Recognise that seeds grow into plants over time
- Describe what plants need to grow and stay healthy
- Use vocabulary such as seed, root, stem, leaf, grow, measure and change
- Make simple observations and record what they notice
Why choose our Reception plants and growth unit?
- Aligned with the EYFS Framework and Understanding the World
- Clear progression across six practical Reception science lessons
- Supports early scientific talk and vocabulary development
- Includes differentiated activity sheets designed for Reception pupils
- No year group labels on resources, making them suitable for mixed Reception and KS1 settings
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