As adults we know that plants are alive but what does that really mean? When I studied plants with the boys, both of whom have ADHD, there were so many books, and lesson plans, and stuff to cover that it was simply overwhelming. When I broke down the botany lessons into 5 separate goals that made my life a lot easier. Their hyperactive ADHD wasn’t going to be OK with sitting for long so I split the lessons up into fifteen minute sections.
Teaching homeschool science can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be. By using this lesson, which is geared towards children ages 4 – 7 years old, you can learn about plants alongside your child. These videos, worksheets, online games, and books explores the concept that plants are living just like people and animals.
As you and your child, or children, enjoy these exercises help them to make the connections and make observations. This would also be a great time to visit a conservatory, public gardens, or even plant your own garden! Let us know how you used this lesson or how you added your own special touch to it in the comments below.
Plants Are Alive!
What does it mean when we say that plants are alive? Plants, like people and animals, are living things because they all need food, water, and air.
Let’s watch our beloved Professor P . as he shows us what plants need to live.
So we learned that:
- Plants are living things because they need food, water, and air.
- Plants have special needs to grow. They also need sunlight, water, air, and soil to grow big and strong.
Let’s learn more about plants being alive. Below you will find all kinds of ways to learn more about this. Enjoy!
— VIDEOS —
Sesame Street: Who’s Alive?
“What Living Things Need” from National Geographic Society – 9:13
— WORKSHEETS —
- GreatSchools.org: Plants grow and reproduce! In this science worksheet, your child connects each plant with the part of it that will grow into a new plant.
- HaveFunTeaching.com: Cross out the nonliving things and circle the living things. You can also cut the pictures out and make your own fun collage with living on one side and nonliving on the other side.
- BBC Schools: Read about helping plants to grow well. This can be printed and read offline.
- HaveFunTeaching.com: Cut out the pictures and paste them in the right category.
— ONLINE GAMES —
BBC BiteSize: Help the plant grow by giving it the right amount of water and sun.
— BOOKS —
- Eyewitness Plant (DK Eyewitness Books)
- Living and Nonliving (Nature Basics)
- Plants Are Alive! (Plants Close-Up)
This is part 1 of a 5 part series “Botany for Beginners“.
Have you see our “Science: Botany For Beginners” Pinterest board?