What makes a plant?

What makes a plant and how do they grow? Children will journey into the Garden to discover more about the parts of a plant, how trees grow and how plants respond to seasonal changes. Explore the fascinating world of seeds – from the world’s biggest to the smallest and plant your own to take back to school.

This workshop is available year round.

• Learn about different types of seeds and the conditions needed for germination and growth 
• Use their senses to explore the natural world 
• Make careful observations of plants growing in the Botanic Garden 
• Plant a seed to take back to school 
• Learn about the parts of a plant and how trees function 
• Learn about the changes they could observe through the seasons 

This workshop supports the following sections of the curriculum:

Science

• Sc2/2.1a: explore and compare the differences between things that are living, dead, and things that have never been alive
• Sc2/2.1b: identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants, and how they depend on each other
• Sc2/2.2a: observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants
• Sc2/2.2b: find out and describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay healthy.
• Sc1/4.1a observe changes across the 4 seasons
• Sc1/4.1b observe and describe weather associated with the seasons and how day length varies.
• Working Scientifically

Geography

• Ge1/1.3a: identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom and the location of hot and cold areas of the world in relation to the Equator and the North and South Poles
• Ge1/1.3bi use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to: key physical features, including: beach, cliff, coast, forest, hill, mountain, sea, ocean, river, soil, valley, vegetation, season and weather

If you are looking for ideas of activities to self-lead in the Garden after your workshop ends, we recommend:

• How Big? Measuring the largest trees in the Botanic Garden
• Amazing Adaptations: journey through the glasshouses
• Nature Scavenger Hunt