What do plants need to grow?
Plants are a very important part of our environment because they provide us with oxygen to breathe and food to eat.
Plants can be of different sizes, shapes and colours.
And they can grow in soil like sunflowers or in water like water lilies.
But no matter what they look like or where they are, most plants grow from either a seed or a bulb.
In order for a seed to survive and grow into a strong plant, it needs water, light, suitable temperature, air and time.
If you wanted to grow a sunflower, you would need to:
Plant sunflower seeds into a big pot with soil.
Place the pot somewhere where it can get sunlight.
Water the pot regularly until you can see the little stem, starting to poke through the soil.
Keep watering the pot and checking that the stem is growing strong.
If you follow all the steps carefully, the seed will slowly grow strong roots and a tall, green stem with a big yellow flower at the top.
If the seed doesn't get enough water or sunlight, its roots will grow weak and the plant may die.
So, take a look around.
How many plants can you see?
Do they look like they're fully grown or do you think they need a little bit more time?
Video summary
An animation exploring the conditions a plant needs for growth. Various plants are shown, from sunflowers to water lilies.
The clip traces the life cycle of a plant, from its starting point as a seed or bulb.
Five conditions for successful growth are established: water, light, a suitable temperature, air and time.
Instructions are given for planting a sunflower seed and tending to the plant.
Teacher Notes
- This clip can be used to demonstrate the life cycle of a plant, from its starting point as a seed or bulb.
- Ask your class to name the five conditions for successful growth that are mentioned in the film. They are water, light, a suitable temperature, air and time.
- Your class may wish to follow the instructions given in the film for planting a sunflower seed and tending to the plant.
This short film is relevant for teaching Science at KS1 in England and Wales, Foundation and KS1 in Northern Ireland and Early and 1st level in Scotland.
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