Parts of a flowering plant
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Name the four main parts of a flowering plant and find each one on a picture
- Say what the roots do: they hold the plant in the soil and take in water and minerals
- Say what the stem does: it holds up the leaves and flower, carries water up, and carries food from the leaves
- Say what the leaves do: they catch light and use it to make food for the plant
- Say what the flower does: it makes seeds, and its petals can attract insects
- Explain how all the parts of a plant work together, for a tree and for a bean plant
You should already know
- Living things need food, water and air to grow (Year 2 Science, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3)
- Plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow (Year 2 Science, Chapter 6)
Where this leads
- What plants need, and how water moves inside them (Year 3 Science, Chapter 3)
- The life cycle of a flowering plant, including pollination and seed dispersal (Year 3 Science, Chapter 4)
National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 science, Year 3. Content: P1 identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers.
Exercise P Do you remember?
Method. Think about which tool measures how long something is.
- Think about the job. We want a tool for length, not for time or temperature.length
- Choose the tool. A ruler measures length in centimetres.ruler: length
- Write the answer. ruler
Check. A timer measures time, so it is not the answer. ✓
Method. A fair test changes only one thing.
- Count the things that change. Only the colour of the cup changes.one change
- Decide whether it is fair. Only one thing changes, so the test is fair.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. Changing one thing and keeping the rest the same is a fair test. ✓
Method. Think about the life processes: growing, moving, breathing and feeding.
- Look at the plant. A bean plant grows, uses food and water, and makes new parts.it grows and feeds
- Decide. A plant that is growing is living, not dead and not never alive.living
- Write the answer. living
Check. A living plant grows and needs water and food. ✓
Method. Think about what a plant takes in from its surroundings.
- Think about the plant. A plant needs things from the air, the soil and the light.air, soil, light
- Name one thing. Water, light, air and minerals from the soil all help a plant grow.one of these
- Write the answer. Accept any one of: water, light, air or minerals from the soil.
Check. Any one of these four helps a plant to grow. ✓
Method. Think about what a seed becomes when it grows.
- Think about the seed. A seed grows, and its roots and shoot grow out of it.roots and shoot
- Name what it becomes. The seed grows into a new plant.plant
- Write the answer. plant
Check. A bean seed grows into a bean plant. ✓
The main parts of a flowering plant
A flowering plant is a plant that makes flowers. Many plants in parks and gardens are flowering plants, and so are many trees.
A flowering plant has four main parts:
- roots, which usually grow under the soil;
- stem, which holds up the rest of the plant (the stem of a tree is called its trunk);
- leaves, which grow out from the stem;
- flower, which grows on the plant and makes seeds.
Each part has a job. To learn the job, first learn the name of the part and where it grows.
Key ideas
- A flowering plant has four main parts: roots, stem, leaves and flower.
- Roots usually grow under the soil.
- The stem holds up the rest of the plant.
- Leaves grow out from the stem, and the flower grows on the plant.
- Each part has its own job.
Method. Look for the part that is below the soil line.
- Find the soil. The soil is the brown band at the bottom of the picture.brown band at the bottom
- Look below the soil line. Below the soil there are thin, branching parts with no leaves.thin, branching parts
- Name the part. These are the roots, which grow down into the soil.roots
- Write the answer. roots
Check. Roots are under the soil, and the leaves and flower are above it. ✓
Watch out. Parts under the soil are roots, even if you cannot see them all.
Method. Think about the job of each part.
- Read A. Roots hold the plant in the soil, so they do not hold the leaves up.A: roots, in the soil
- Read B. The stem holds the leaves up, so that they reach the light.B: stem, holds up leaves
- Choose the part. The part that holds the leaves up is the one that carries them.B
- Write the answer. B
Check. The stem is the part that holds the leaves up. ✓
Method. Think about which part makes seeds.
- Read A. The part that holds the plant in the soil is the roots, which do not make seeds.A: roots
- Read B. The flower is the part of the plant that makes seeds.B: flower makes seeds
- Choose the part. So the flower is the part that makes seeds.flower
- Write the answer. the flower
Check. Seeds come from the flower, not from the roots. ✓
Watch out. Roots take in water. Flowers make seeds.
Watch out
Watch out: a plant does not stop at the soil. The leaves, stem and flower are all parts of the plant, and so are the roots, even though we cannot see them.
Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). Look at a plant in a pot, or a plant in a garden, with a grown-up. Point to each of the four main parts: roots, stem, leaves and flower. Do not pull or pick the plant. Wash your hands afterwards.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child: “Which part is that? Where does it grow? What do you think it does?” Let them point to each part on a real plant as they name it.
Exercise 2A The main parts of a flowering plant
Method. Think about the parts above the soil and the part below it.
- Think about the parts below the soil. The roots grow under the soil.roots
- Think about the parts above the soil. The stem, the leaves and the flower grow above the soil.stem, leaves, flower
- Write the answer. roots, stem, leaves and flower (any order)
Check. Count the four parts: roots, stem, leaves and flower. ✓
Method. Think about where the roots grow.
- Think about the soil. The soil is the ground that the plant grows in.the soil
- Name the part under it. The roots grow down into the soil.roots
- Write the answer. roots
Check. The roots hold the plant in the soil. ✓
Method. Find the letter that points to the flower at the top.
- Find the flower. The flower is at the top of the plant.top of the plant
- Read the letter. The letter A points to the flower.A
- Write the answer. A
Check. The letter A is on the flower. ✓
Method. Find the long part that holds the plant up.
- Find the stem. The stem is the tall, thin part that the leaves grow from.tall, thin part
- Read the letter. The letter C points to the stem.C
- Write the answer. C
Check. The letter C is on the stem. ✓
Method. Find the part that grows into the soil.
- Find the roots. The roots are the part under the soil line.under the soil
- Read the letter. The letter D points to the roots.D
- Write the answer. D
Check. The letter D is under the soil. ✓
Method. Look for the two words that name parts of a plant.
- Check each word. Pebbles and bricks are not parts of a plant.not plant parts
- Find the two plant parts. Roots and stem are parts of a plant.roots and stem
- Write the answer. roots and stem
Check. Roots and stem are both plant parts. ✓
Method. Think about where the roots grow.
- Read the sentence. Roots grow down into the ground that the plant grows in.the ground
- Write the answer. soil
Check. The soil is where the roots grow. ✓
Method. Think about what the leaves are joined to.
- Read the sentence. Leaves grow out from the stem, which holds them up.the stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The stem holds the leaves. ✓
Method. Think about the part that makes seeds.
- Read the sentence. The flower is the part of the plant that makes seeds.the flower
- Write the answer. flower
Check. Seeds come from the flower. ✓
Method. Sort the words into plant parts and things that are not plant parts.
- Sort the plant parts. Leaves, flower and roots are parts of a plant.leaves, flower, roots
- Find the two that are left. Soil and rock are not parts of a plant.soil and rock
- Write the answer. soil and rock
Check. The plant parts and the other two make all five words. ✓
Method. Think about where roots are usually found.
- Think about the roots. Roots hold the plant in the soil.in the soil
- Decide. So roots usually grow under the soil, not above the ground.under the soil
- Write the answer. No. Accept any answer that says roots usually grow under the soil.
Check. Leaves and flowers are the parts that grow above the ground. ✓
Method. Look for the word that is not a part of the plant.
- Check the three plant parts. Roots, stem and flower are all parts of a plant.three plant parts
- Find the one that is not. Soil is the ground the plant grows in, so it is not a part of the plant.soil
- Write the answer. soil. Accept any reason that says soil is not a part of the plant.
Check. Soil is around the plant, not part of it. ✓
Method. Plan steps that look carefully and do not damage the plant.
- Step one. Look at each part of the plant, and point to it.look at each part
- Step two. Draw the plant and label each part with its name.draw and label
- Write the answer. Accept any two steps that look at, draw or label the parts, and do not pick or pull the plant, such as: look at each part, then draw and label it.
Check. Looking, drawing and labelling do not harm the plant. ✓
Roots: holding on and drinking
The roots have two main jobs.
- They hold the plant in the soil, so that it stays upright when the wind blows.
- They take in water and minerals from the soil. Minerals are small substances in the soil that help the plant to grow well.
The water and minerals travel up the stem to the leaves and the flower. A plant with short roots may fall over, because its roots cannot hold on to the soil well.
Key ideas
- Roots hold the plant in the soil.
- Roots take in water and minerals from the soil.
- Water and minerals travel up the stem to the leaves and flower.
- Roots usually grow under the soil.
Method. Think about the job of the roots, and the job of seeds.
- Read A. Roots hold the plant in the soil, so this is a job that roots do.A: holding in soil
- Read B. Making seeds is the job of the flower, not the roots.B: flower
- Choose the job. The job that the roots do is holding the plant in the soil.A
- Write the answer. A
Check. Roots hold the plant in the soil and take in water. ✓
Method. Look at the blue drops, and where they are.
- Find the blue drops. The blue drops of water are in the brown soil.drops in the soil
- Follow the roots. The roots reach into the soil and touch the water there.roots in the soil
- Name the place. So the roots take in water from the soil.the soil
- Write the answer. the soil
Check. The water is in the soil, and the roots take it in. ✓
Method. Think about what roots do when the wind blows.
- Read the story. The sunflower falls over, so it is not held in the ground.falls over
- Think about the roots. Short roots cannot hold the plant in the soil firmly.short roots
- Name the job. The job it is not doing well is holding the plant in the soil.holding in the soil
- Write the answer. holding the plant in the soil
Check. Short roots hold the plant less firmly. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: roots do not take in light from the sun. Leaves use light. Roots take in water and minerals from the soil.
Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). Put a few cress seeds on damp cotton wool in a clear plastic cup. Keep the cup on a windowsill, and keep the cotton wool damp. After a few days, look at the roots with a grown-up, and draw what you see. Wash your hands afterwards.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask: “What do the roots hold on to? What do they drink?” Let your child point to the roots in the cup, and say where they are in the soil.
Exercise 2B Roots: holding on and drinking
Method. Think about why a plant does not fall over.
- Think about the plant. A plant stays in place because its roots hold it.roots hold it
- Name the job. The first job of the roots is to hold the plant in the soil.holding in the soil
- Write the answer. holding the plant in the soil. Accept any words that say the roots hold the plant in place.
Check. Roots hold the plant in place. ✓
Method. Think about what the roots drink and what they take in from the ground.
- Think about the water. The roots take in water from the soil.water
- Think about the other thing. The roots also take in minerals from the soil.minerals
- Write the answer. water and minerals
Check. Water and minerals both come from the soil. ✓
Method. Think about where the water comes from.
- Think about the soil. The water is in the soil.water in the soil
- Name the part in the soil. The roots are the part in the soil, so they take in the water.roots
- Write the answer. roots
Check. The leaves are above the soil, so they cannot take in water from it. ✓
Method. Think about where the roots are.
- Read the sentence. The roots are in the ground that the plant grows in.the ground
- Write the answer. soil
Check. The roots grow in the soil. ✓
Method. Think about the part that carries water up.
- Read the sentence. The stem carries water up from the roots to the leaves.the stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The stem carries the water up. ✓
Method. Look at the arrow beside the stem.
- Read the arrow. The blue arrow beside the stem points to the top of the plant.arrow points up
- Name the direction. So the water moves up from the roots.up
- Write the answer. up
Check. The water moves up to the leaves and flower. ✓
Method. Think about what the roots do with water.
- Think about the roots. The roots take in water from the soil.water from soil
- Think about the plant. Without roots in the soil, the water does not reach the leaves, so the plant may droop.no water to leaves
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that says the roots cannot take in water from the soil, so the plant may droop.
Check. Roots that cannot reach water leave the plant dry. ✓
Method. Think about what roots take in and what leaves use.
- Think about the roots. Roots take in water and minerals from the soil.water and minerals
- Think about the leaves. Leaves use light to make food, not roots.leaves use light
- Write the answer. no
Check. Light is used by the leaves, so Yusuf is not right. ✓
Method. Look at each choice.
- Read A. Minerals are taken in from the soil by the roots.A: minerals
- Read B. Sunlight is not taken in by the roots. Leaves use it.B: sunlight, not roots
- Write the answer. A
Check. The roots take in minerals from the soil. ✓
Method. Think about how roots hold a plant in the soil.
- Compare the roots. Long roots in deep soil reach further into the ground.long, deep
- Decide. Sunflower A has the roots that hold it more firmly, so it is more likely to stay upright.A
- Write the answer. A
Check. Deeper and longer roots hold the plant more firmly. ✓
Method. In a fair test only the water changes, so everything else stays the same.
- Find the thing that changes. The amount of water changes.water changes
- Name a thing that stays the same. The light, the cup, the cotton wool and the seed must stay the same.light and cup
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that names something kept the same, such as the light, the cup, the cotton wool or the type of seed.
Check. Only the water changes in a fair test. ✓
Method. Think about what roots do when the plant is in the soil.
- Think about the job. Roots hold the plant in the soil.hold in soil
- Give the reason. If the roots are damaged, they cannot hold the plant firmly, so it may fall over.damaged, falls over
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says damaged roots cannot hold the plant firmly in the soil, so it may fall over.
Check. The roots are what keep the plant in place. ✓
The stem: holding up and carrying
The stem has three main jobs:
- it holds up the leaves and flower, so that they can reach the light;
- it carries water and minerals up from the roots to the leaves and flower;
- it carries food from the leaves to the other parts of the plant, including the roots.
The stem of a tree is called its trunk. A trunk is thick and woody, which means it is hard, like wood. It holds up the branches, the leaves and the flowers.
Key ideas
- The stem holds up the leaves and flower.
- The stem carries water and minerals up from the roots.
- The stem carries food from the leaves to the other parts of the plant.
- A tree trunk is a thick, woody stem.
Method. Look at the direction of the blue arrow.
- Find the blue arrow. The blue arrow is on the left of the stem, and it is labelled water and minerals up.blue arrow
- Read its direction. The arrowhead points to the top of the stem.arrowhead at the top
- Name the direction. So the water moves up the stem, from the roots to the leaves.up
- Write the answer. up
Check. Water goes up from the roots to the leaves. ✓
Method. Think about the job of the stem, and which choice is that job.
- Read A. The stem holds the leaves up, so this is the job that has been lost.A: holding leaves up
- Read B. Making seeds is the job of the flower, not the stem.B: flower
- Choose the job. The leaves fall over because the stem can no longer hold them up.A
- Write the answer. A
Check. The stem holds up the leaves and flower. ✓
Method. Start at 0, then read the other end of the stem.
- Find the 0 mark. Measuring starts at the 0 mark, so the stem begins at 0.starts at 0
- Read the other end. The top of the stem is at the 9 cm mark.ends at 9 cm
- Write the height with the unit. A height is written in centimetres, cm.9 cm
- Write the answer. 9 cm
Check. Count along the ruler from 0 to 9, one centimetre at a time. ✓
Watch out. If you do not start at 0, the answer will be wrong.
Watch out
Watch out: the stem is not the same as the leaves. The leaves grow out from the stem, and the stem holds them up.
Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). Look at a tree in a park or garden with a grown-up. Find its trunk, and count the main branches that grow out of the trunk. Do not touch or climb the tree. Wash your hands afterwards if you have touched anything.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask: “What is holding the leaves up? Which way does the water go?” Let your child point with a finger from the roots, up the stem, to a leaf.
Exercise 2C The stem: holding up and carrying
Method. Think about what grows on the stem.
- Think about the leaves. The leaves grow out from the stem and are held up by it.leaves
- Think about the flower. The flower grows on the plant and is held up by the stem.flower
- Write the answer. leaves and flower
Check. The stem holds the leaves and flower up. ✓
Method. Think about the thick, woody stem of a tree.
- Think about the tree. A tree has one thick, woody stem.thick, woody
- Name it. The thick, woody stem of a tree is its trunk.trunk
- Write the answer. trunk
Check. A trunk is a tree’s stem. ✓
Method. Think about the part that joins the roots to the leaves.
- Think about the path of water. Water goes from the roots, up through the middle of the plant.roots to leaves
- Name the part. The part that joins the roots and leaves is the stem.stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The stem carries water up to the leaves. ✓
Method. Think about where plant food is made.
- Think about the food. Food is made in the leaves, using light.made in leaves
- Follow the food. The stem then carries this food to other parts, such as the roots.food carried to roots
- Write the answer. leaves
Check. The leaves make the food, and the stem carries it. ✓
Method. Think about where the leaves are held.
- Read the sentence. The stem holds the leaves up, above the soil.up
- Write the answer. up
Check. The stem lifts the leaves towards the light. ✓
Method. Think about the word that describes a tree trunk.
- Read the sentence. A trunk is thick and hard, like wood.hard like wood
- Write the answer. woody
Check. Woody means hard, like wood. ✓
Method. Look at where the blue arrow starts.
- Find the blue arrow. The blue arrow is on the left of the stem, labelled water and minerals up.blue arrow
- Find where it starts. The arrow starts at the bottom of the stem, where the roots are.bottom, by the roots
- Name the part. So the water and minerals come from the roots.roots
- Write the answer. roots
Check. The arrow starts at the roots and points up to the leaves. ✓
Method. Start at 0 and read the other end.
- Find the 0 mark. The stem starts at 0.starts at 0
- Read the other end. The top of the stem is at the 6 cm mark.ends at 6 cm
- Write the answer. 6 cm
Check. Count 6 centimetres along the ruler. ✓
Method. Find the height in week 2 and the height in week 3, then take the smaller away from the bigger.
- Read the two heights. The stem was 32 cm in week 2 and 40 cm in week 3.32 and 40
- Take the smaller away from the bigger. The growth is how much taller the stem got.40 − 32 = 8
- Write the answer. 8 cm
Check. 32 + 8 = 40, so the answer is right. ✓
Watch out. Growth is the change in height. Use the week 2 height, not the week 1 height.
Method. Think about what the measurement is.
- Think about the measurement. The stem is a length, so we measure it in centimetres.a length
- Choose the unit. Kilograms measure mass, so cm is the right unit.cm
- Write the answer. cm
Check. A height is a length, so the unit is cm. ✓
Method. Think about where the food is made.
- Think about the food. Food is made in the leaves, not in the roots.made in leaves
- Decide. So the stem carries food from the leaves to the rest of the plant. The statement is false.from the leaves
- Write the answer. no
Check. The stem carries food from the leaves to the rest of the plant. ✓
Method. Think about the path of the water.
- Think about the path. Water goes from the roots, up the stem, to the leaves.roots to leaves
- Give the reason. A broken stem cannot carry the water up, so the leaves may not get it.broken, cannot carry
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says a broken stem cannot carry water up from the roots to the leaves.
Check. The stem is the path for water up the plant. ✓
Leaves: catching light and making food
Leaves are usually wide and flat. This shape helps them to catch light.
Leaves use light, water and air to make food for the plant. The food made in the leaves moves through the stem to the other parts of the plant.
Without light, the leaves cannot make food. A plant kept in a dark place cannot make food from light.
Key ideas
- Leaves are usually wide and flat, so that they can catch light.
- Leaves use light, water and air to make food for the plant.
- Food moves from the leaves to the rest of the plant through the stem.
- Without light, leaves cannot make food.
Method. Think about the surface that faces the light.
- Read the first shape. A wide, flat leaf has a large surface facing the light.large surface
- Read the second shape. A thin, straight stalk has only a small surface facing the light.small surface
- Compare them. The wide, flat shape catches more light.more light
- Write the answer. a wide, flat leaf
Check. More surface means more light is caught. ✓
Watch out. Wide and flat is the shape that helps leaves catch light.
Method. Think about what leaves need to make food.
- Think about the light. Leaves use light to make food.light needed
- Check the cupboard. There is no light in a dark cupboard.no light
- Decide. So the leaves cannot make food from light in the cupboard.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. The leaves need light to make food. ✓
Method. Think about what the leaves produce for the plant.
- Read the question. It asks what leaves make with light, water and air.make with light
- Think about the plant. The plant needs food to grow and stay healthy, and the leaves provide it.food for the plant
- Write the word. Leaves use light, water and air to make food.food
- Write the answer. food
Check. Leaves are the food-makers of the plant. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: leaves do not take in food from the soil. The roots take in water and minerals. The leaves make food, using light.
Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). Ask a grown-up to help you find a leaf that has fallen from a tree. Hold it up to a window and look at the light coming through it. Draw the leaf, and write one word to describe how much light gets through. Wash your hands afterwards.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask: “Where does the plant get its food? Why is the leaf flat? What would happen in a dark cupboard?”
Exercise 2D Leaves: catching light and making food
Method. Look at each thing and decide whether leaves use it.
- Read water. Leaves use water to make food.water: used
- Read light. Leaves use light to make food.light: used
- Read stones. Stones are not used by leaves to make food.stones: not used
- Write the answer. stones
Check. Water and light are used, and stones are not. ✓
Method. Think about the shape that catches the most light.
- Read the sentence. Leaves are usually wide and flat.wide and flat
- Find the missing word. The missing word is flat.flat
- Write the answer. flat
Check. A flat leaf is wide and thin, so it catches light. ✓
Method. Think about the path between the leaves and the roots.
- Think about the leaves. Food is made in the leaves.leaves make food
- Name the path. The stem carries the food to the other parts of the plant.stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The food travels through the stem. ✓
Method. Find the broad, flat parts that grow out of the stem.
- Find the leaves. The leaves are the broad, flat parts on the stem.broad and flat
- Read the letter. The letter B points to a leaf.B
- Write the answer. B
Check. The letter B is on a leaf. ✓
Method. Think about what leaves make.
- Read the sentence. Leaves make food for the plant.food
- Write the answer. food
Check. Leaves are the food-makers. ✓
Method. Think about what the leaves catch.
- Read the sentence. Leaves use light to make food.light
- Write the answer. light
Check. Light is needed to make food. ✓
Method. Think about the part the food travels through.
- Read the sentence. Food is carried through the stem to other parts.stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The stem carries the food. ✓
Method. Add the leaves on each side of the stem.
- Read the two numbers. There are 10 leaves on one side and 6 leaves on the other.10 and 6
- Add them together. Adding the two sides gives the total number of leaves.10 + 6 = 16
- Write the answer. 16 leaves
Check. 6 + 10 = 16, the same as the total. ✓
Method. Think about how much light the leaf catches.
- Compare the light. The leaf in shade gets less light.less light
- Decide. With less light, the leaf makes food more slowly, so the answer is no.more slowly
- Write the answer. no
Check. Less light means less food is made. ✓
| Leaf | Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Leaf A | 8 |
| Leaf B | 5 |
| Leaf C | 11 |
Method. Find the biggest number in the length column.
- Read the lengths. The lengths are 8 cm, 5 cm and 11 cm.8, 5, 11
- Find the biggest. The biggest length is 11 cm, which is Leaf C.11 cm is the biggest
- Write the answer. Leaf C
Check. 11 cm is more than 8 cm and 5 cm. ✓
Method. Predict what happens when fewer leaves catch light.
- Think about the leaves covered. The covered leaves cannot catch the light.covered, no light
- Predict. With fewer leaves catching light, less food is made, so the answer is yes.less food
- Write the answer. yes
Check. This is a prediction. We would test it by measuring. ✓
Method. Think about what leaves need to make food.
- Think about the light. Leaves use light to make food.light
- Decide. So leaves do not make food in the dark. The statement is false.false
- Write the answer. false
Check. Without light, leaves cannot make food. ✓
Method. Think about where food is made in the plant.
- Think about the leaves. The leaves are the parts that catch light and make food.leaves make food
- Give the reason. With no leaves, the plant has no place to catch light and make food.no leaves, no food
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the leaves make the food, so without leaves the plant has no place to make food from light.
Check. The leaves are where the food is made. ✓
The flower: making seeds
The flower is the part of a flowering plant that makes seeds. A seed can grow into a new plant.
Many flowers have petals. Petals are often bright, coloured and sometimes scented. They help to attract insects, such as bees. A bee that visits a flower can help the flower to make seeds.
Some flowers are small and hard to see. Some plants have no flowers at all. Ferns are plants that have no flowers.
Key ideas
- The flower is the part of the plant that makes seeds.
- A seed can grow into a new plant.
- Many petals are bright, and they attract insects such as bees.
- Some plants, such as ferns, have no flowers.
Method. Think about what the petals look like and what they might do.
- Read A. Bright petals can attract insects, such as bees.A: attract insects
- Read B. The stem holds up the leaves, not the petals.B: stem holds leaves
- Choose the job. So a likely job for bright petals is to attract insects.A
- Write the answer. A
Check. Bright petals help to attract insects. ✓
Method. Think about the part of the plant that makes seeds.
- Read the question. It asks what the flower makes.the flower makes
- Think about the seeds. The flower is the part that makes seeds.seeds
- Write the word. The flower makes seeds, which can grow into new plants.seeds
- Write the answer. seeds
Check. Seeds from the flower grow into new plants. ✓
Method. Add the flowers on the two plants.
- Read the two numbers. One plant has 6 flowers and the other has 4 flowers.6 and 4
- Add them together. Adding the two numbers gives the total.6 + 4 = 10
- Write the answer. 10 flowers
Check. 4 + 6 = 10, so the answer is right. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a flower is not the same as a leaf. Leaves catch light and make food. The flower is the part that makes seeds.
Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, sit quietly in a park or garden and count the flowers on one plant. Do not pick any flowers. Keep away from bees and wasps, and do not touch them. Write your count in a table. Wash your hands afterwards.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask: “What is the flower for? Why do you think the petals are bright?” Keep the activity calm, and stay still near the flowers.
Exercise 2E The flower: making seeds
Method. Think about what a seed grows into.
- Read the sentence. A seed grows into a new plant.new plant
- Find the missing word. The missing word is plant.plant
- Write the answer. plant
Check. A seed grows into a plant. ✓
Method. Look at the flower picture and think about its outside parts.
- Look at the flower. The bright, coloured parts of a flower are the petals.bright, coloured
- Name the part. These parts are called petals.petals
- Write the answer. petals
Check. Petals are often bright and coloured. ✓
Method. Think about an insect you might see on flowers in a garden.
- Think about the insect. Bees often visit flowers to feed on them.visit flowers
- Name the insect. The insect is a bee.bee
- Write the answer. bee
Check. Bees are common visitors to flowers. ✓
Method. Think about what holds the flower up.
- Read the sentence. The flower is held up by the stem of the plant.held by the stem
- Find the missing word. The missing word is stem.stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The stem holds up the flower. ✓
Method. Think about what the flower makes.
- Read the sentence. The flower makes seeds.seeds
- Write the answer. seeds
Check. Seeds come from flowers. ✓
Method. Think about the colour of petals.
- Read the sentence. Many petals are bright and coloured.coloured
- Write the answer. coloured
Check. Bright petals are coloured. ✓
| Plant | Number of flowers |
|---|---|
| Plant A | 6 |
| Plant B | 4 |
| Plant C | 0 |
Method. Look for the number 0 in the table.
- Read the table. Plant A has 6 flowers, Plant B has 4 and Plant C has 0.6, 4, 0
- Count the plants with 0. Only Plant C has no flowers.one plant with 0
- Write the answer. 1 plant
Check. Only Plant C has zero flowers. ✓
Method. Add the plants with flowers and the plants with no flowers.
- Read the two numbers. There are 3 plants with flowers and 2 without.3 and 2
- Add them together. The total number of plants is 3 plus 2.3 + 2 = 5
- Write the answer. 5 plants
Check. 2 + 3 = 5, so the answer is right. ✓
Method. Think about what bright petals can do for the plant.
- Read A. Bright petals can attract insects, such as bees.A: attract insects
- Read B and C. Petals do not make the stem stronger or hold the leaves up.B and C: not petals’ job
- Write the answer. A
Check. Bright petals attract insects. ✓
Method. Think about the plants you know, and whether any have no flowers.
- Think about ferns. Ferns are plants that have no flowers.ferns have no flowers
- Decide. So not all plants have flowers, and Mo is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Ferns show that some plants have no flowers. ✓
Method. A table needs one heading for each column.
- Think about the things in the table. One column names each plant, and one column records the number of flowers.plant and number
- Write the headings. The headings name what each column shows.two headings
- Write the answer. Accept any two headings, such as Plant and Number of flowers.
Check. Each column needs a heading that says what it shows. ✓
Method. Think about what the flower makes.
- Think about the flower. The flower makes seeds.seeds
- Give the reason. Seeds can grow into new plants, so the flower helps the plant to have young plants.new plants
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the flower makes seeds, which can grow into new plants.
Check. The flower helps the plant to make new plants. ✓
The parts working together
All the main parts of a plant work together. If one part cannot do its job, the whole plant may not grow well.
| Part | Main job |
|---|---|
| Roots | hold the plant in the soil; take in water and minerals |
| Stem | holds up the leaves and flower; carries water and minerals up, and food from the leaves |
| Leaves | catch light and use it to make food |
| Flower | makes seeds |
A tree has the same four main parts as a bean plant. Its trunk is a thick, woody stem. Its flowers may be small and hard to see, but they still make seeds.
Key ideas
- All four main parts of a plant work together.
- A tree has the same four main parts as a bean plant.
- A tree trunk is a thick, woody stem.
- If the roots are damaged, the plant may not take in enough water.
Method. Think about the jobs of the roots.
- Think about the first job. Roots hold the plant in the soil.holding in soil
- Think about the second job. Roots take in water and minerals from the soil.water and minerals
- Write the two jobs. Without roots, the plant cannot hold itself in the soil, or take in water and minerals.holding and taking in
- Write the answer. holding the plant in the soil, and taking in water and minerals
Check. Both jobs belong to the roots. ✓
Method. Think about which part uses light to make food.
- Read roots. Roots take in water and minerals, but they do not make food.roots: no
- Read flower. The flower makes seeds, not food for the whole plant.flower: seeds
- Read leaves. Leaves use light to make food for the whole plant.leaves: food
- Write the answer. leaves
Check. The leaves are the food-makers of the plant. ✓
Method. Think about what both parts do.
- Look at the bean stem. The bean stem holds up the leaves and flower, and carries water and food.holds up and carries
- Look at the trunk. A tree trunk holds up the branches and leaves, and carries water and food too.holds up and carries
- Compare them. Both are stems, so they do the same jobs.both are stems
- Write the answer. Both are stems, so they hold up the leaves and flowers, and carry water and food.
Check. A trunk is a thick, woody stem. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a tree is a flowering plant too, even though its flowers may be small and hard to see. A tree has the same four main parts.
Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). Choose a tree in a park or garden with a grown-up. Look at its trunk, its leaves and any flowers. Do not dig or touch the roots. Draw one labelled picture, with the words roots, trunk, leaves and flower. Wash your hands afterwards if you touched anything.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask: “What job does each part do? What would happen if the roots were cut?” Let your child explain the tree picture to you, part by part.
Exercise 2F The parts working together
Method. Think about the thick, woody stem of a tree.
- Think about the tree. The thick, woody stem of a tree is its trunk.trunk
- Compare with the bean. The bean plant stem is the same kind of part.same kind of part
- Write the answer. trunk
Check. The trunk and the stem are both stems. ✓
Method. Think about the part that is in the soil.
- Think about the soil. The part in the soil holds the plant in place.in the soil
- Name the part. The roots hold the plant in the soil.roots
- Write the answer. roots
Check. The roots hold the plant in place. ✓
Method. Think about the part of the plant that makes seeds.
- Think about the seeds. Seeds come from flowers.from flowers
- Name the part. The flower makes seeds.flower
- Write the answer. flower
Check. The flower makes seeds. ✓
Method. Think about the part that joins the roots and the leaves.
- Think about the path. Water goes from the roots, up through the middle of the plant.up from roots
- Name the part. The stem carries the water up.stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The stem carries water up. ✓
| Part | Main job |
|---|---|
| Roots | hold the plant in the soil; take in water and minerals |
| Stem | holds up the leaves and flower; carries water and minerals up, and food from the leaves |
| Leaves | catch light and use it to make food |
| Flower | makes seeds |
Method. Find the stem row in the table.
- Find the row. The stem row is the second row.second row
- Read the first job. The first job in that row is holds up the leaves and flower.holds up the leaves and flower
- Write the answer. holds up the leaves and flower
Check. The table lists the stem’s jobs in order. ✓
Method. Think about where the water starts and how it reaches the leaves.
- Think about the start. The water is taken in by the roots from the soil.roots
- Think about the path. The water then travels up the stem to the leaves.stem
- Write the answer. roots and stem
Check. The roots take in the water and the stem carries it up. ✓
Method. Add the leaves on the two stems.
- Read the numbers. One stem has 4 leaves and the other has 5 leaves.4 and 5
- Add them together. The total is the number of leaves on both stems.4 + 5 = 9
- Write the answer. 9 leaves
Check. 5 + 4 = 9, so the answer is right. ✓
Method. Choose one part to compare, and one thing you can measure or count.
- Choose a part to compare. The stem of the bean plant and the trunk of the tree are both stems.stem and trunk
- Choose a measurement. You could measure the height in cm, or count the number of leaves.height or leaves
- Write the answer. Accept any plan that names a part, such as the stem or trunk, and a measurement, such as its height in cm or the number of leaves.
Check. A fair comparison uses one part and one measurement. ✓
Method. Compare what each one does.
- Think about the bean stem. The bean stem holds up the leaves and carries water and food.holds and carries
- Think about the trunk. The trunk holds up the branches and leaves, and carries water and food too.same jobs
- Write the answer. yes
Check. Both are stems that do the same jobs. ✓
Method. Think about which part is in the soil.
- Think about the leaves. Leaves grow above the soil and make food.leaves make food
- Name the right part. The roots hold the plant in the soil.roots
- Write the answer. No. Accept any answer that says the roots hold the plant in the soil.
Check. The roots are the part that holds the plant in the soil. ✓
Method. Think about where the water starts.
- Start in the soil. The water starts in the soil, and the roots take it in first.roots first
- Follow the path. Then the water goes up the stem, and reaches the leaves last.stem then leaves
- Write the answer. roots, stem, leaves
Check. Roots, then stem, then leaves. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Four main parts | Roots, stem, leaves and flower. Each part has its own job. |
| Roots | Hold the plant in the soil. Take in water and minerals from the soil. |
| Stem | Holds up the leaves and flower. Carries water and minerals up, and food from the leaves. A tree trunk is a thick, woody stem. |
| Leaves | Are usually wide and flat to catch light. Use light, water and air to make food. |
| Flower | Makes seeds. Petals are often bright, and they can attract insects. |
| Working together | All four parts work together. A tree has the same four main parts as a bean plant. |
Can you…?
- I can name the four main parts of a flowering plant and find each one on a picture
- I can say the two main jobs of the roots
- I can say what the stem holds up, and where the water and the food travel
- I can say what leaves use light to make, and why they are wide and flat
- I can say what a flower makes, and why its petals can be bright
- I can explain how the parts of a plant work together, for a tree and for a bean plant
Key terms
- flowering plant
- a plant that makes flowers, and seeds from them
- roots
- the part of a plant that usually grows under the soil, holds the plant in place and takes in water and minerals
- minerals
- small substances in the soil that a plant needs to grow well; also called nutrients
- stem
- the part that holds up the leaves and flower, and carries water and food
- trunk
- the thick, woody stem of a tree
- leaf
- a usually wide, flat part of a plant that uses light to make food
- flower
- the part of a flowering plant that makes seeds
- petal
- one of the often bright, coloured parts of a flower
- seed
- the part that can grow into a new plant
- fern
- a plant that has no flowers
- woody
- hard, like wood
Exercise 2Z Check-up
Method. Think about the part that holds the leaves and flower up.
- Think about the job. The stem holds the rest of the plant up.holds up
- Name the part. So the stem is the part that holds the plant up.stem
- Write the answer. stem
Check. The stem holds the plant up. ✓
Method. Think about which part uses light.
- Think about the light. Light is used to make food.light
- Name the part. The leaves use light to make food.leaves
- Write the answer. leaves
Check. Leaves use light to make food. ✓
Method. Find the part under the soil.
- Find the roots. The roots are under the soil line.under the soil
- Read the letter. The letter D points to the roots.D
- Write the answer. D
Check. The letter D is under the soil. ✓
Method. Think about the part in the soil.
- Think about the soil. The water is in the soil.water in the soil
- Name the part. The roots take in water from the soil.roots
- Write the answer. roots
Check. The roots take in water. ✓
Method. Think about what the plant makes to grow new plants.
- Think about seeds. Seeds are made by the flower.flower
- Name the part. The flower makes seeds.flower
- Write the answer. flower
Check. The flower makes seeds. ✓
Method. Add the leaves on each side.
- Read the numbers. There are 6 leaves on one side and 7 on the other.6 and 7
- Add them together. The total is the number of leaves on both sides.6 + 7 = 13
- Write the answer. 13 leaves
Check. 7 + 6 = 13, so the answer is right. ✓
Method. Take the Monday height away from the Friday height.
- Read the two heights. The stem was 18 cm on Monday and 27 cm on Friday.18 and 27
- Take the smaller away from the bigger. The growth is the change in height.27 − 18 = 9
- Write the answer. 9 cm
Check. 18 + 9 = 27, so the answer is right. ✓
Method. Think about where light is used to make food.
- Think about the leaves. Leaves are the parts that use light to make food.leaves use light
- Decide. Without leaves, the plant cannot make food from light, so Tom is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. No leaves means no place to make food from light. ✓
Method. Think about what the roots do.
- Think about the first job. The roots hold the plant in the soil.hold in soil
- Think about the second job. The roots take in water and minerals from the soil.water and minerals
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the roots hold the plant in the soil, or take in water and minerals.
Check. Either job is correct. ✓
Method. Check each choice against the four main parts.
- Read A. The stem is a main part of a flowering plant.A: stem
- Read B. A stone is not a part of a plant.B: stone
- Read C. Leaves are a main part of a flowering plant.C: leaves
- Write the answer. B
Check. A stone is not part of any plant. ✓
Total 20 marks. Allow about 20 minutes.
Exercise 2X Practice test questions
Method. Think about where the roots grow.
- Think about the soil. The roots grow down into the soil.down into the soil
- Name the part. The part under the soil is the roots.roots
- Write the answer. roots
Check. Roots hold the plant in the soil. ✓
Method. Find the flower at the top of the plant.
- Find the flower. The flower is at the top of the plant.top
- Read the letter. The letter A points to the flower.A
- Write the answer. A
Check. The letter A is on the flower. ✓
Method. Think about where the water comes from and where it goes.
- Think about the start. Water is taken in by the roots, from the soil.from the roots
- Think about the end. The water goes to the leaves, which are above the roots.to the leaves
- Write the answer. up
Check. Water moves up from the roots to the leaves. ✓
Method. Think about what the roots do for the plant.
- Think about holding. The roots hold the plant in the soil.holding in soil
- Think about taking in. The roots take in water and minerals from the soil.water and minerals
- Write the answer. Accept any two of: holding the plant in the soil; taking in water; taking in minerals.
Check. Any two of these three jobs are correct. ✓
Method. Think about where the stem puts the leaves.
- Think about the stem. The stem holds the leaves up above the soil.holds up
- Think about the light. Raised leaves can reach the light, which they need to make food.reach the light
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that says the stem holds the leaves up, so that they can reach the light.
Check. Holding the leaves up lets them reach the light. ✓
Method. Think about the part that catches light.
- Name the part. The leaves catch light.leaves catch light
- Name what they make. The leaves use light to make food for the plant.food
- Write the answer. Leaves make food; they use light to make it.
Check. Leaves are the food-makers of the plant. ✓
Method. Think about what the petals do.
- Think about the petals. Bright petals attract insects.attract insects
- Think about the seeds. An insect that visits the flower can help it make seeds.help make seeds
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that says bright petals attract insects, such as bees, which can help the flower to make seeds.
Check. Insects visiting flowers help the flower to make seeds. ✓
Method. List the four main parts, then choose one and give its job.
- List the parts. The four main parts are roots, stem, leaves and flower.roots, stem, leaves, flower
- Choose one part. Choose one part, such as the roots.roots
- Give its job. The roots hold the plant in the soil and take in water and minerals.hold and take in
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that names roots, stem, leaves and flower, and gives one correct job, such as roots take in water.
Check. Four parts are named and one job is given. ✓
Method. Think about what leaves need to make food.
- Think about the light. Leaves need light to make food.light needed
- Think about the dark. A dark cupboard has no light, so the leaves cannot make food.no food in dark
- Predict. Without food the plant may grow weakly.may grow weakly
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that says the leaves need light to make food, so they cannot make it in the dark, and the plant may grow weakly.
Check. Light is needed for the leaves to make food. ✓
Method. Think about the job of each part.
- Read the claim. Mo says all parts do the same job.same job
- Find two different jobs. Roots hold the plant in the soil. Leaves make food using light.roots and leaves differ
- Decide. The parts have different jobs, so Mo is not right.not right
- Write the answer. No. Accept any answer that names two parts with different jobs, such as roots holding the plant and leaves making food.
Check. Each part has its own job. ✓