Why do different plants grow in different places? The presentation allows teacher to contrast plants growing in different places. It can be used to start children thinking about how the conditions in each place influences the plants that can grow.

Because we put them there! It is worth saying that many plants grow because they are deliberately planted by humans. Especially within the built environment and children's gardens. Stress that this is not what their survey is about. They are looking at plants that are growing naturally in their preferred locations.

Plants grow naturally in different conditions Plants can grow in some extreme conditions. These weeds are able to grow through the small gaps between the paving stones. They must be able to tolerate a certain amount of trampling and also be able to survive on the small amount of water that seeps through the gaps. Weeds can grow in the gaps in the pavement.

Coastal grazing marshes and sand dunes Cows can eat the grasses that grow in the grazing marshes. Suggests two more natural areas that different plants grow in. Introduce the word 'habitat' here to describe the area and conditions in a particular location. Plants in the grazing marsh include grasses and reeds at the field boundary with the drainage channel. These will provide a wide variety of habitats for other animals to live in. Grasses, clover and an orchid in sand dunes.

Plants grow naturally in different conditions Ivy grows on forest floors where there is very little light. Start to introduce the idea of different conditions in different habitats. Ivy has broad and dark green leaves which makes them very efficient at absorbing sunlight which they need for growth. This means that they are able to survive and grow in low light levels. So Ivy is often found growing on the forest floor. Other plants cannot grow in these low light levels. Bluebells are another example of plants that can grow in low light. Ivy has broad leaves to catch as much light as possible.

Spot the difference Dandelion from an area that is regularly cut with a mower. First compare the two dandelions. What differences can the children spot? The one from the regularly cut area has smaller leaves that lie flat to the ground. This is an adaptation to allow it to survive when the grass is cut. In nature this would be an area regularly grazed or trampled by animals. Its seed stem is also shorter as this has to re-grow following each cut. The dandelion from the non-cut area has much bigger leaves that are standing more upright. These are not regularly cut off and so are able to grow taller. Similarly, the seed stem is taller as it has more time to grow. Dandelion from an area that is not cut with a mower.

Can you explain why? Dandelion from an area that is regularly cut with a mower. Tall stem holds flower. Short stem holds flower. The one from the regularly cut area has smaller leaves that lie flat to the ground. This is an adaptation to allow it to survive when the grass is cut. In nature this would be an area regularly grazed or trampled by animals. Its seed stem is also shorter as this has to re-grow following each cut. The dandelion from the non-cut area has much bigger leaves that are standing more upright. These are not regularly cut off and so are able to grow taller. Similarly, the seed stem is taller as it has more time to grow. Big leaves that stand upright. Dandelion from an area that is not cut with a mower. Small leaves close to the ground