Colourful Experiments and Flower Investigations in Year 3

This week in science, Year 3 have been deepening their understanding of plants and how they function, through a series of engaging, hands-on activities.

The children began by dissecting flowers, each working with a tulip to carefully take it apart and examine its structure. With great focus and curiosity, they identified and named each part, including the petals, sepals, stamen and pistil, learning a host of new scientific vocabulary along the way. It was a fascinating process, and the classroom buzzed with excitement as pupils compared their findings and asked thoughtful questions.

To build on their knowledge, the class also began an investigation into capillary action, the process by which water travels up a plant’s stem. They placed white flowers into various coloured dyes to observe how the water would move through the plant. The next day, there was great excitement as the children discovered that the petals of the flowers in blue and green dye had taken on the colour, showing clear evidence of the water’s journey through the stem. Interestingly, the flowers placed in orange and pink dye remained white, prompting lively discussion and further questions about why that might be.

These practical investigations have not only strengthened the children’s understanding of plant biology but also encouraged them to think scientifically, asking questions, making predictions, and drawing conclusions from what they observe. A truly inspiring week of discovery!