English National Curriculum - Science

1. Compare the effect of different factors on plant growth

Mission Objectives

Understand the basic needs of a plant for life

Explore how changing one of a plant's basic needs will affect its growth

Understand how to set up a comparative test to see the effect on a plant's growth

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Rocket Words Quiz

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

nutrients

a substance that is needed for healthy growth, development and functioning

investigation

when you ask a question and try to find out the answer by looking closely, testing things, or doing an experiment

prediction

a guess at what you think might happen based on what you already know

fertiliser

something added to the soil or sprayed on the leaves of plants to give them extra nutrients

thrive

to grow and live in a healthy way

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Matthew Willsher

Matthew is an experienced and qualified educator, with a background in both classroom and outdoor settings. He is passionate about making learning engaging for all involved and creates content which enhances children’s experiences in education and those delivering it. With a strong belief in the value of education, Matthew recognises the importance of enabling children and adults to access any curriculum content with ease, regardless of their backgrounds. In his spare time, Matthew loves being with family and friends; additionally, he has a keen interest in the performing arts and volunteers time as a voice-over artist.

Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

Contact: [email protected]  

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Emma Wilding

Emma has spent the past 12 years teaching in primary schools, where she has led history and played a key role in shaping curriculum development across her academy trust. With a passion for designing lessons that are lively, meaningful, and rooted in real-life context, she is dedicated to making learning something children remember and enjoy.

Her curriculum leadership has supported schools through successful Ofsted inspections, but her greatest motivation comes from helping pupils develop a love of learning and supporting them to make connections between the past, present, and the wider world.

In her spare time, Emma loves travelling the world and exploring new places -there is always another castle to discover!

Required Resources

Resources: Several small flowering plants, such as bedding plants (pansies, nasturtiums, marigolds). Planting equipment, such as pots, a glass or plastic jar, water, soil and fertiliser.  

Support Handout (1): A scaffolded investigation sheet with space for the children to outline their question and method, and plan their experiment. 

Core Handout (2): An investigation sheet with space for the children to outline their question and method, and plan their experiment. 

Stretch Handout (3): A more extensive version of the investigation sheet above, with some extra space for the children to expand their predictions. 

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