Grade 1 · Science · 20 minutes
Plant needs
Choose two plants with an adult who can maintain appropriate care. Share observations in a guided discussion.
Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-1-plant-needsLearning objective
Explain and practice plant needs using the activity and evidence, then take part in a grade-appropriate discussion.
Plan ahead: For weather and plant observations, use several short sessions across multiple days; the duration is active teaching time.
Gather your materials
- Paper and drawing supplies
- An adult-prepared safe observation setup or photographs
Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.
Supporting Common Core connection
SL.1.1Listen, build on others’ comments, and ask clarifying questions during discussion.
Read the official standard ↗Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard. The connection is to the guided literacy discussion; it does not establish alignment with this subject’s content standards.
Teach it step by step
- Choose two plants with an adult who can maintain appropriate care.
- Keep water, containers and observation times similar while comparing suitable light levels.
- Draw dated changes over several days.
- Explain observations and build on a partner's comment.
- Explain what you notice. Build on a partner’s comment. Give each person a turn, invite a question, and finish by naming an idea heard from someone else.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
What Do Plants Need to Grow? Fun Learning for Young Kids, Kindergarten, and Preschoolers!
By WonderKids Academy
Connect this video to the lesson on plant needs. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: What Do Plants Need to Grow? Fun Learning for Young Kids, Kindergarten, and Preschoolers! (opens a new tab) ↗What Do Plants Need to Grow // Fun Preschool Learning Video
By Kid-Bloom Wonder Zone
Connect this video to the lesson on plant needs. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: What Do Plants Need to Grow // Fun Preschool Learning Video (opens a new tab) ↗Which conditions help a plant grow? Explain how you would compare observations fairly.
An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.
Make the thinking visible
Example to work through together
One plant may lean toward a window. That is an observation; one comparison alone does not prove a rule about all plants.
Try the starter activity
Observe two safely maintained plants with different light levels. Draw changes; do not claim one trial proves a rule. Then discuss your findings with a partner or adult, using the discussion goal above.
Student practice
Make a dated drawing and discuss one observed change and one question for further observation.
Quick check for understanding
Which observations can you describe?
Sample answer and teacher guidance
Sample answer: Accept evidence from the plants. Distinguish observed leaf color or direction from an unsupported cause.
Listen or look for: Accept evidence from the plants. Distinguish observed leaf color or direction from an unsupported cause.
Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.
Make it work for your learner
A little more support
Use adult-prepared photographs and dictate observations.
An additional challenge
Explain which other conditions would need to stay similar for a fairer comparison.