Discover the Wonder of Plants with Nine Hands-On Nature Activities
Introduce young learners to the fascinating world of plants with this comprehensive Year 1 resource featuring nine engaging activities that combine outdoor exploration, scientific observation, and creative art to build understanding of plants and trees.
Nine Complete Activities Included:
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Plant A Seed: Experience the magic of growth firsthand! Children plant seeds and observe them germinate and grow, developing understanding of what plants need to survive and the wonder of new life emerging
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Create A Garden Collage: Bring the garden indoors through art! Use natural materials, pictures, and craft supplies to create beautiful garden collages, exploring plant diversity and developing creative skills
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Go On A Plant Hunt: Take learning outdoors with an exciting plant hunt! Explore the school grounds or local area to find and identify different plants, flowers, and trees, developing observation and classification skills
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Deciduous And Evergreen Trees: Discover the difference between trees that lose their leaves and those that stay green all year! Observe, compare, and classify trees by their seasonal characteristics
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Leaf Printing: Create stunning artwork using real leaves! Explore leaf shapes, patterns, and textures through printing techniques, combining art with scientific observation of plant structures
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Observe And Draw A Leaf: Develop close observation skills by examining leaves in detail! Children draw what they see, noticing veins, edges, shapes, and colours—building both scientific and artistic abilities
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Bark Rubbings: Discover the unique textures of tree bark through rubbings! This tactile activity helps children understand that different trees have different bark patterns and textures
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Observe And Draw Sticks: Look closely at twigs and sticks to discover buds, scars, and other features! Children develop observational drawing skills while learning about tree structures
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Identify The Structure Of Plants: Learn the parts of a plant and their functions! Explore roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, understanding how each part helps the plant survive and grow
Why Teachers Choose This Resource:
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Curriculum-Aligned: Fully supports Year 1 Science objectives for plants in the National Curriculum of England
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Outdoor Learning Focus: Multiple activities that get children outside exploring and connecting with nature
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Cross-Curricular Excellence: Seamlessly combines Science and Art & Design objectives
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Hands-On Exploration: Practical activities that make plant science tangible and memorable for young learners
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Ready to Use: Complete lesson plans with learning objectives, resource lists, and step-by-step instructions
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Age-Appropriate: Activities specifically designed for 5-6 year olds with achievable, engaging tasks
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Develops Observation Skills: Builds careful looking and scientific recording abilities
Perfect For:
- Year 1 Science lessons on plants
- Key Stage 1 biology and nature study
- Homeschool science curriculum
- Outdoor learning and forest school sessions
- Cross-curricular plant-themed topic work
- Building environmental awareness and nature connection
Learning Outcomes:
Through these activities, children will identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants including deciduous and evergreen trees, identify and describe the basic structure of common flowering plants including trees, understand what plants need to grow and stay healthy, develop observation and recording skills, and build appreciation for the natural world around them.
What Makes This Resource Special:
Plants are everywhere, yet children often overlook them in their daily lives. These activities encourage young learners to slow down, look closely, and discover the incredible diversity and beauty of plants right outside their door. By planting seeds, creating art with leaves, and exploring trees, children develop both scientific knowledge and a genuine connection with nature.
Building Scientific Understanding:
Understanding plants is fundamental to biology and environmental science. These activities develop essential scientific skills including observation, classification, recording, and understanding life processes—all while fostering the curiosity and wonder that make young children natural scientists.
Connecting Children to Nature:
In an increasingly digital world, these activities provide vital opportunities for children to engage with the natural world. By exploring plants through multiple senses—touching bark, observing leaves, planting seeds—children develop environmental awareness and appreciation that can last a lifetime.
Bring the wonder of plants to life! These engaging activities help Year 1 students discover the fascinating world of plants through hands-on exploration, outdoor learning, and creative art that makes plant science tangible, memorable, and genuinely exciting—building knowledge, observation skills, and a lasting connection with nature.
