Growing Green --- the science of plant growth
Suitable for Years 3-6, March to November
This interactive programme invites students to explore the different tree
parts they encounter and learn how each is adapted to help the tree survive
and grow in a competitive environment.
Key Concepts
Plant structure and function, plant growth, variation, photosynthesis,
adaptation, soil function and nutrients
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students should be able to:
 List the resources trees need to survive – carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, nutrients
 Name the different tree parts – root, trunk, leaf, flower, seed – and describe the function of
each
 Explain that trees, like other plants, make their own food using carbon dioxide, water and
sunlight during a process called photosynthesis
 Understand the importance of stewardship
Before you come
Q What is a tree? How is it different to grass or a daffodil?
Q Name as many parts of a tree as you can.
Programme Outline
Learning objectives
To assess students’ knowledge about
each part of a plant and it’s function
Activity
Diversity explore
Introduces the group to the variety of trees at Westonbirt
What are the similarities between plants / trees? What are their
differences?
Year 3 – name the different tree parts and discuss their function
Year 4 – identify and name a selection of trees in the activity
location
Year 5 – what part of the reproduction process is taking place at
the time of the visit?
Year 6 – exploring the classification of plant groups at the
location
To identify the resources all plants need
to survive
To explore plant adaptations where
resources are limited.
Plant resource game
A short game that explores the needs of plants, looking at which
plants did not get all they needed and discussing the reasons why
this may have happened.
Year 3&4
How do needs for life vary from plant to plant growing in this
glade?
Year 5&6 - Scenario Cards
Students look at cards showing different environmental
scenarios and think about plant adaptations to different
environments.
To discover the importance of soil for
plant growth
Soil soup
To introduce the process of
photosynthesis
Photosynthesis Game
To explain how the different parts of a
tree work together
Build a tree conclusion
In small groups, students make a sample of soil by gathering
different ingredients
Considering role of roots in taking water and nutrients from the
soil and discovering the spread of root networks
Together, students travel to the world inside a leaf, acting out
the process of photosynthesis
Students create a giant working tree using themselves, sound
effects and actions, drawing together the learning points from
the programme
Self-guided trails
To complement this half-day programme, we recommend our Growing Green Activity Pack. This can be
viewed at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-education
National Curriculum links
Plants (Year 3)
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Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots, stem/trunk,
leaves and flowers
Explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and
room to grow) and how they vary from plant to plant
Living things and their habitats


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Year 4 --- Identify and name a variety of living things in the wider environment
Year 5 --- describe the life process of reproduction in some plants
Year 6 --- describe how living things are classified into broad groups