Lesson 2: Being Curious and Asking Questions

Reception plant growth lesson – asking questions about plants

This Reception plant growth lesson encourages children to develop curiosity about the natural world by asking questions about plants and how they grow. Through observation, discussion and practical activities, the children learn that scientists ask questions to help them understand and investigate the world around them.

Focusing on the enquiry skill of being curious and asking questions, this lesson gives children opportunities to explore plants closely, notice interesting features and share their own ideas about why plants look, grow and behave in different ways. These early enquiry experiences help build confidence, language and scientific thinking from an early age.

What is included in this Reception plant growth lesson?

• Interactive teaching slides with plant-focused discussion prompts
• ‘I wonder…’ questioning activities to encourage scientific thinking
• Plant parts worksheet to support observation and vocabulary development
• Plant growth observation log for recording changes over time
• Creative plant design activity to encourage imaginative thinking and discussion
• Full lesson plan with teaching guidance, vocabulary and assessment opportunities

Supporting curiosity and scientific enquiry in Reception

Learning to ask questions is an important part of early science. In this lesson, children are encouraged to notice details, share their ideas and think about what they would like to find out about plants. These activities support the Early Years Foundation Stage Understanding the World curriculum while developing communication, observation and enquiry skills.

This lesson is part of our Reception Plants and Growth unit within the EYFS Science Scheme. The unit helps children explore plants, growth and seasonal change through practical investigations and meaningful scientific enquiry.