lesson
Root, shoot, leaves
Read with an adult. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.
1 · Learn
When a seed starts to grow, we call this germination. A root often appears first. It helps the young plant take in water.
A shoot grows towards the light. Leaves open as the plant develops. Seeds do not all grow at the same speed. Watch and record rather than deciding the result before it happens.
2 · Worked example
On one day I draw a root. A few days later I draw a shoot too. I keep both drawings, because they show the change.
3 · Your turn
A bean has a root on Monday and a root and shoot on Thursday. What changed?
Check your answer
A shoot appeared between the two observations. The bean now has both a root and a shoot.
4 · Apply your learning
Draw a growing seed every few days. Put the drawings in date order. Say one change you can actually see.
Adult guidance and safety
Growth takes time. Do not promise every seed will germinate. An adult checks moisture and disposes of mouldy specimens safely.
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My observation notebook
Keep a dated record of the same adult-checked seed or plant. Record whether a root, shoot or leaf is visible and measure from the same starting point if useful. Compare your own dates, not the lesson's made-up results. Bulbs may be poisonous: use checked photographs for bulb observations. Tell an adult about mould; do not handle it.
Tell your adult what you notice. They can help you write it. A prediction is what you think might happen; an observation is what you actually see, hear or feel safely.
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Your records on this page
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