Lesson 6: Making Simple Records and Talking About Observations

Reception plant growth lesson – recording observations and measuring plants

This Reception plant growth lesson helps children record observations, measure plant growth and explain what plants need to grow successfully. Using their own plant growth logs, children reflect on the changes they have observed and begin making simple scientific records based on real investigations.

Focusing on the enquiry skill of making simple records and talking about observations, this lesson encourages children to measure plants, compare healthy and unhealthy growth, and discuss the conditions that help plants thrive. Children also explore how sycamore seeds travel, helping them build on their understanding of plant reproduction and seed dispersal.

What is included in this Reception science lesson?

• Interactive teaching slides to support discussion and observation
• Plant growth log activities for recording observations over time
• Plant measuring activities using maths link cubes
• Healthy and unhealthy plant comparison tasks
• Sycamore seed template investigation exploring seed dispersal
• Outdoor plant observation and recording activities
• Full lesson plan with teaching guidance, vocabulary and assessment opportunities

Developing scientific recording skills in Reception

Recording observations is an important part of scientific enquiry. In this lesson, children use simple measurements, drawings and discussion to describe how plants have changed over time. They consider why some plants grow successfully while others do not, helping them develop an understanding of the factors that affect plant growth.

The lesson also provides opportunities for children to investigate how sycamore seeds travel through the air and to make observations about plants in their local environment. These activities support the Early Years Foundation Stage Understanding the World curriculum while developing observation, communication and reasoning skills.

This lesson forms part of our Reception Plants and Growth unit within the EYFS Science Scheme. The unit helps children develop scientific enquiry skills through practical investigations, observation and exploration of plants and growth.