🔬 ScienceLevel 1Lesson 33
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Plant Observation Journal
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Learning Objectives
- 1Observe a real plant over several days, recording changes using sketches and descriptions in a science journal
- 2Apply knowledge about plant parts and what plants need to grow
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Mini Lesson
Real scientists do not just read about the world — they go out and observe it. A science journal is how they record what they see, measure, and notice over time.
What is scientific observation?
- Observation means looking carefully and recording exactly what you see — not what you think will happen, but what is actually there.
- Good observers use all their senses: look at shape and color, feel the texture, smell the leaves.
- Sketch + label + date = a complete journal entry.
What to record in your plant journal
- The date of each observation — so you can see how the plant changed over time.
- A sketch of the plant — include roots, stem, leaves, and any flowers.
- The height of the plant if it is growing from a seed.
- The color and condition of the leaves — green and healthy, or yellowing?
- Any changes from the last observation — new leaves, a new bud, bent stem.
Connecting to plant science
- Roots absorb water and anchor the plant in soil.
- The stem carries water up to the leaves.
- Leaves catch sunlight and make food for the plant through photosynthesis.
- Plants need sunlight, water, air, and soil to grow.
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Ask yourself: "What has changed since my last observation? What part of the plant is doing the most work today?"
Vocabulary
Observation
Looking carefully and writing down exactly what you seee.g. I made an observation about my plant.
Journal
A book where you record what you see day by daye.g. I write in my plant journal.
Sketch
A simple drawing of what you seee.g. I sketched the leaves in my journal.
Record
To write down something so you can read it latere.g. I record the date of each observation.
Compare
To look for what is the same and differente.g. I compare today's sketch with yesterday's.
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