Grouping plants
I can use observable characteristics to classify plants in different ways.
Grouping plants
I can use observable characteristics to classify plants in different ways.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many plants have similar features that allow us to sort them into groups.
- Plants can be grouped by their observable characteristics.
- Observable characteristics can include information about colour, size, shape and structure.
- The process of grouping plants based on their similarities and differences is called classification.
- Plants can be classified into categories such as flowering plants and non-flowering plants.
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that all plants are green and have flowers.
Clarify with a range of examples that some plants have flowers and some don't. Discuss with the pupils if they think even flowering plants will always have a flower on them all year round.
Keywords
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Groups - We put similar things together in groups.
Observable characteristics - An observable characteristic is a feature of a living thing that we can see or describe using our senses. We can use these to help identify it.
Classify - To classify is to sort objects into groups based on their similarities and differences.
Equipment
Access to secondary sources or the outdoors to find other plants.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
makes food for the plant
takes up water and nutrients from the soil and anchors the plant
carries water and nutrients to different parts of the plant
attracts pollinating insects
Exit quiz
6 Questions
All the flowers in this group are red.
All the plants in this group have thorns.
All the leaves in this group have rounded lobes.
All the plants in this group are very small.
