Classroom Activities: Parts of a Plant

These classroom activities are designed to complement the Parts of a Plant topic page on BrainPOP Jr.

Growing Up
Bring in seeds for your students to study, plant, and observe. You can provide potting soil and foam cups for each student, or you can plant a seed together as a class. Choose a fast-growing, hardy plant such as marigolds, rye grass, or bean plants. Seeds are affordable and readily available at your local gardening store or grocery store. As the seed grows, have students record their observations and measurements. If the students are using foam cups, they can tear away a section of the cup towards the top after the seed has sprouted, and they will notice how the plant will begin to grow towards the extra sunlight that streams in through that section.

Dissection

A great way to learn about plants is to take one apart. Bring in a few plants for small groups to dissect. You can even bring in weeds from a garden—just be sure to bring in whole plants, with roots included. Have students observe each part and record their observations. Have student volunteers explain the function and importance for each plant structure. Students can also draw plant dissection posters, labeling the plant from root to tip.

Plant Poems

There are many stories and poems about plants. Pick a few poems and read them together as a class. Assign a plant or flower to each student, or let them pick out their favorite from the ones they see at home, in the class, or in nearby parks or gardens. Students can then make up their own poems about plants and decorate their work. You can post their poems around the classroom or, if possible, ask a local greenhouse, nursery, or gardening store to post the poems.