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Lesson 1: Life cycles and reproduction in plants

Exploring the life cycle of a plant and comparing the reproductive parts in different flowers through dissection.
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Learning objective

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

1. Recap and recall
Before starting this unit, check the children can recall some of the key learning from the units Science, Year 4, Living things and their habitats: Classification and changing habitats and Science, Year 3, Plants: Plant reproduction:

  • Flowering plant reproduction involves seed dispersal and pollination.

  • Plants have different structures (root, stem, leaf, flower and fruit) that have different functions.

  • Mammals are vertebrates; an example of a characteristic is having fur.

  • Amphibians are vertebrates; an example of a characteristic is having moist skin.

  • Birds are vertebrates; an example of a characteristic is having feathers.

  • Insects are invertebrates; some have soft bodies, some have shells and some have an exoskeleton.

The Activity: Life cycles and reproduction mind map (one each) is available to elicit the children’s prior knowledge.

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In this unit

Assessment – Science Y5: Life cycles and reproduction
Lesson 1: Life cycles and reproduction in plants
Lesson 2: Life cycle of a mammalLesson 3: Life cycle of a birdLesson 4: Life cycle of an amphibianLesson 5: Life cycle of an insectLesson 6: Asexual reproduction in plants
Created by:
Kapow Primary Team
Kapow Primary Team
Our team comprises experienced classroom teachers who love the foundation subjectsFind out more
Maintained by: Kapow Primary teamLast update: 3 July 2026

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