*To investigate objects and materials by using all their senses as appropriate *To find out about, and identify, living things, objects and events they observe *To look closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change *To ask questions about why things happen and how things work *To use mathematical language to make comparisons Resources
*Small plant pots *soil *seeds (we use mustard or cress because they grow quickly) *pictures and books on plants and flowers *seed trays *labels Step by step
* Label each pot with a child's name.
* In small groups, help the children to put soil in their pot and plant the seeds.
* Arrange the pots on a table along with books, pictures and magnifying glasses.
* Include seed trays with unplanted seeds.
Activities
* Discuss seeds, how they feel and what they smell like.
* Show children the pictures on the seed packets.
* While planting, discuss how the seeds grow and why they need watering.
* Plant a seed that does not get watered to see that it does not grow.
* Water the seeds every other day.
* As the plants grow, observe the shoots and discuss which ones are bigger or smaller, taller or shorter.
* Use magnifying glasses to compare the shoots to the unplanted seeds.
Extension activities
* We also planted tomato plants in grow bags outside and compared them with the seeds inside - and ate the tomatoes!
* Children can observe seeds growing in different conditions by putting them to grow in light and dark areas or planting them in sand, clay or playdough.
* Take photos of children at each stage of the activity. Put them into a book for the book corner or in the planting area.
Vinicia Bellamy is deputy head of Rushey Green Early Years Centre in Catford, London. She spoke to Annette Rawstrone
