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  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Explain to the child that you will be selecting and pressing flowers to learn about how they grow. Ask them if they know what happens to flowers when they are pressed. Encourage the child to make a prediction: ‘How might the flower change when it is pressed?’

    Step 2

    Go on a nature walk with the child to find suitable flowers. When selecting flowers, ensure to keep the stem and leaves attached. Help them understand the importance of only picking a few flowers with permission and not harming plants in the process.

    Step 3

    Discuss how the flowers look and feel. Ask the child if they can name any parts of the flower. If visible, point out the petals, stem, leaves and seeds on the flowers they have selected. Explain to the child that for a plant to grow, it needs four main things: sunlight, soil, air and water. The different parts of a plant help it to get these things.

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Place the flowers between two pieces of absorbent paper inside a heavy book, ensuring that they do not overlap.

    Step 2

    Close the book and place in a dry, cool place. Explain that the weight of the book will help flatten and dry the flowers.

    Step 3

    Leave the flowers pressed between the paper for several days to a week, depending on the thickness of the flowers and the paper used. Thicker flowers will need longer to dry out.

    Step 4

    Once the flowers are pressed and dried, remove them from the book.

    Step 5

    Sit with the child and examine the pressed flowers. Discuss how they look different from fresh flowers. Ask the child, ‘Does this match the prediction we made?’

    Step 6

    Introduce the various parts of a flower, including the stem, leaves, petals and seeds. Explain to the child that plants need sunlight, soil, air and water to grow. These parts of a flower play important roles in the plant’s growth:

    • Like a straw, the stem transports water from the soil into the plant.
    • Leaves absorb sunlight for the plant to turn into glucose (a type of food for plants).
    • Petals attract pollinators like bees and birds to spread pollen.
    • Seeds drop from a flower and grow into new plants.
    Step 7

    Glue the flower onto a piece of card or paper, then ask the child to label each part of the flower. Offer guidance and support as needed.

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • Make

    Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.

    Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.

    Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.

    Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.

  • Discuss

    Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what the child has learned.

    Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.

    Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.

    Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.

  • Write

    If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.

    Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.

    Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.

    If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.

  • Plan

    Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.

    Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.

    If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.

    If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.

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