Basic 2 · Science · Living and Non-Living Things
Parts of a Plant
In this topic you will name the main parts of a plant: roots, stem, leaves and flowers.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name the main parts of a plant
- Point to each part on a real plant
- Draw and label a plant
What you already know
- Plants around us (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Diversity of Matter
- Sub-strand
- Living and Non-Living Things
- Indicator
- B2.1.1.1.1 – Know the basic structure of plants (roots, stem leaves flowers)
Introduction
Pull up a young bean plant gently. Look at it from the bottom to the top. You will see roots, a stem, leaves and maybe flowers.
1. Main Parts of a Plant
| Part | Where it is | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| roots | under the soil | thin and thread-like |
| stem | above the soil | holds the plant up |
| leaves | on the stem | flat and green |
| flowers | on the stem | colourful |
2. Different Plants, Same Parts
Grass, cassava and mango trees all have roots, stems and leaves.
A tree trunk is a big, hard stem.
Tip: Use a hand lens to see the tiny hairs on roots.
New words
- roots
- The part of a plant under the soil.
- stem
- The part that holds the plant up.
- leaf
- The flat green part of a plant.
- flower
- The colourful part of a plant.
Summary
- The main parts of a plant are roots, stem, leaves and flowers.
- Roots are under the soil.
- A tree trunk is a big stem.
Class activity: Plant Detectives
- Look at the uprooted bean, grass and cassava cutting.
- Use the hand lens to look closely at each part.
- Point to the roots, stem and leaves.
- Draw one plant and label it.
You need: Uprooted bean, Grass plants, Cassava cutting, Hand lens
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which part of a plant is under the soil?
- A. Roots
- B. Leaves
- C. Flowers
- D. Stem
Show answer
Answer: RootsRoots grow in the soil.2. Which part holds the plant up?
- A. Stem
- B. Roots
- C. Flower
- D. Fruit
Show answer
Answer: StemThe stem supports the plant.3. Most leaves are green.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLeaves are usually green.4. A tree trunk is a root.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseA tree trunk is a stem.5. The colourful part of a plant is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: flowerFlowers are often colourful.6. Name the four main parts of a plant.
Show answer
Answer: Roots, stem, leaves and flowers.These are the main parts.
Homework
- Look at a plant at home. Draw it and label its parts.