Plants and Habitats: sorting activity

Explore plant habitats with this engaging, hands-on Year 2 science activity. Children sort realistic plant images into the correct environments: Arctic, Desert and Woodland.

This resource has been designed to encourage discussion, observation and scientific thinking while keeping the activity practical and highly visual.

Included in this resource:

Habitat sorting board featuring (print A4):
Arctic
Desert
Woodland
18 realistic plant cut-outs with bold outlines for easy cutting (print A4 and cut in half)
Clearly labelled plant images
Two full sets of plants for added challenge and differentiation

Plants included:
Spruce Tree, Arctic Poppy, Fern, Cactus, Prickly Pear, Snowdrop, Pine Tree, Saguaro, Bluebell, Juniper Bush, Moss, Birch Tree, Barrel Cactus, Agave, Yucca Plant, Dwarf Willow, Reindeer Lichen and Arctic Moss.

Children will:

Identify and compare habitats
Sort plants into suitable environments
Discuss why plants survive in different climates
Build scientific vocabulary
Develop reasoning and observation skills

Perfect for:

Year 2 Science – Living Things and Their Habitats
KS1 plant and habitat topics
Independent activities
Partner work
Practical science lessons
Early finishers
Classroom displays

The resource uses realistic photographic-style graphics combined with bold cut-out outlines to create an engaging, low-prep activity that children love.