Dissection and Reflection

We have been having a cracking time in our ‘Living Things’ science topic. As part of the KS2 curriculum the children are learning to identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants and to understand how plants grow and reproduce. On Wednesday they researched and created a labelled diagram of a flowering plant. They studied each feature closely and explained its job. For example the petals attract insects for pollination and the ovaries produce seeds that will one day become new plants. The children were very relieved to learn that plants do all this hard work without needing a packed lunch.

Then it was time to don our imaginary lab coats as we became plant surgeons and super scientists. Using real scientific equipment the children carefully dissected a lily and separated each part. This linked perfectly to the curriculum focus on observing closely and using scientific enquiry skills. It took precision time and a great deal of steady hands although a few enthusiastic surgeons had to be reminded that lilies are not quite as robust as they look. Seeing the ovaries, anthers, filaments and stigma up close made our diagrams spring to life and helped the learning stick brilliantly.

Next we will be exploring the life cycles of different animals and comparing them with the life cycles of plants. There may not be any dissections involved this time but the excitement levels are already growing faster than a sunflower in July. We cannot wait to continue our scientific adventure!

Tom