Use the glossary to support students with key terms and help them build confidence in scientific vocabulary as they work through the lessons.

Term Definition
Agriculture Growing crops and farming animals for food, clothing, etc.
Atmosphere The layer of air surrounding Earth that provides oxygen and protects us from the sun’s harmful rays.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) A gas in the air used by plants to make food through photosynthesis.
Climate The weather conditions in an area over a long period of time.
Crops Plants grown on a large scale for food or animal feed.
Drought A long period with little or no rainfall.
Environment The surroundings where living organisms live.
Epidermal Cells Cells on the outer surface of a leaf that protect it.
Food Security Ensuring there is always enough food for everyone.
Glucose A sugar made by plants during photosynthesis.
Guard Cells Special cells that control the opening and closing of stomata, allowing gas exchange and water loss.
Mesophyll Cells Cells that help convert sunlight into energy for the plant.
Pathogen Microorganisms that cause disease.
Phloem Cells Tube-like cells that transport food from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
Photosynthesis The process by which plants use carbon dioxide and water to make glucose using sunlight.
Plant Science The study of how plants grow and develop.
Pollution Harmful substances in the air, water, or soil.
Protocol A detailed plan outlining steps and measurements in an experiment to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Solution A mixture where one substance dissolves in another.
Stomata Tiny openings on leaves that allow gas exchange.
Transpiration The process of plants releasing water through stomata.
Vein Structures that carry water and nutrients through the plant, similar to blood vessels in animals.
Xylem Cells Tube-like cells that transport water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.

Download

You can download the Leaf-Zoom glossary below. Use it to help students understand key scientific vocabulary as they work through the lessons and activities.

Download the PDF glossary

Classroom Resources

AMAiZING Maize Kit

A five-week kit for upper primary and early secondary pupils exploring plant responses to climate change and molecular biology through hands-on experiments.

AMAiZING Maize Kit

Leaf-Zoom Kit

A four-week kit for Primary 4/5 pupils exploring how plants breathe, grow, absorb nutrients, and respond to their environment through interactive activities and small-group worksheets.

Leaf-Zoom Kit

‘Thaliana: Quest for Gene X’

This unique game lets children explore real plant science through play, using hands-on experiments like leaf-lineup, PCR, and electrophoresis, designed to make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

‘Thaliana: Quest for Gene X’

Free Classroom Resources

AMAiZING Maize
Glossary

The AMAiZING Maize Glossary provides children aged 8+ with clear explanations of key plant science terms used in the kit.

AMAiZING Maize Glossary

Leaf Zoom
Glossary

The Leaf-Zoom Glossary provides children aged 8+ with clear explanations of key plant science terms used in the Leaf-Zoom kit.

Leaf Zoom Glossary

StomaToy
Activity Book

The StomaToy Activity Book is full of learning and fun activities. You get to become a plant scientist and do real data analysis!

StomaToy Activity Book

StomaToy
video

Introduces children aged 6+ to how stomata help plants grow and defend themselves, using an interactive demos of plant defence signalling.

StomaToy Video