This Year 2 plants unit helps pupils investigate how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants through practical enquiry and observation over time. Across six engaging lessons, pupils explore germination, plant growth and the conditions plants need to survive while developing scientific understanding through first-hand investigation.
Aligned with the National Curriculum, the unit encourages pupils to ask scientific questions, observe changes carefully and carry out comparative tests linked to light, water and temperature. Pupils investigate how seeds germinate, explore whether seeds need light to grow and observe how plants change as they mature.
Part of our comprehensive Scintillating Science scheme, this unit includes lesson plans, interactive teaching slides, differentiated worksheets, practical investigations and assessment materials to support engaging Year 2 science teaching.
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Visit our main Year 2 science page to explore curriculum coverage, progression and long-term planning.
Plants
Working scientifically
Teach Year 2 plants – Plant Growth with a fully planned and sequenced unit aligned with the KS1 science curriculum. This unit helps pupils understand how plants grow from seeds and bulbs, and what they need to stay healthy.
Across the unit, pupils plant and grow their own beans, observe changes in the local environment and track plant growth over time. They learn that seeds need water and a suitable temperature to germinate, and that most do not require light at this stage because they contain a store of food. Pupils then explore how plants need light, water and the right conditions to continue growing and stay healthy.
Through comparative investigations and regular observation, pupils develop confidence using scientific vocabulary linked to germination, growth and survival while building enquiry skills through measuring, predicting, recording and drawing conclusions.
