Science

Testing water resistance 

Testing water resistance 

Year 5 conducted their very own water resistance investigation last week where they used plasticine to test for water resistance. The children shaped the plasticine in different shapes to test which would fall the...

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our changing world

our changing world

In science we are looking at our changing world and the changes that happen from Autumn to Winter. We have also explored our senses and completed an investigation to find our which part of our body was best for feeling.   [gallery type="rectangular"...

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Air resistance experts!

Air resistance experts!

Year 5 have been learning all about air resistance. We investigated this by making our own parachutes and testing their air resistance to see which one would fall to the ground the slowest. We changed one variable and ensured it was a fair test. [gallery...

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Year 6 create blood!

Year 6 create blood!

In science we have learning all about the circulatory system and part part of that is blood. We learnt all about the 4 complements of blood (plasma, placements, white blood cells and red cells) and then decided to create our very own sample of blood. We first added...

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Investigating Light 

Investigating Light 

This week in Year 3 we have been learning about light. We sorted different objects into what's a light source and what isn't. We also discussed light that is reflected in relation to the moon. 

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Solar System Superstars!

Solar System Superstars!

This afternoon Year 5 have been learning all about the Solar System. We have been learning all about how many days it takes for different planets to orbit the sun. We then used our maths skills to round the numbers up to the nearest day. [gallery type="rectangular"...

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Solar System experts! 

Solar System experts! 

Year 5 have been working really hard to learn lots of knowledge about the Solar System. We have learnt that the Sun is a star, the Earth is one of eight planets that travel around the Sun as well as the names of the planets. We then used the Chrome Books to research...

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Super Solar System

Super Solar System

This morning we are working on an exciting project introducing our new unit of the Solar System. We are using facts and then presenting this information in small groups.

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Levers, pulleys and gears

Levers, pulleys and gears

This afternoon Year 5 have been learning all about levers, pulleys and gears. We have learnt lots of new language including fulcrum, arm and load. We then showed this working mechanism using everyday objects.   [gallery type="rectangular"...

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Intent

At Elsecar Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. Therefore, we have designed our science curriculum with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them and an understanding of how major scientific ideas have played a vital role in society, to prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

We will deliver a science curriculum that:

    • has working scientifically at its core, so that children have opportunities to develop practical enquiry skills to engage with the world in a scientific way and make sense of what they are learning about living things, the environment, materials and physical processes
    • provides a range of hands-on experiences to promote engagement and presents opportunities for the discussion and questioning which develop understanding
    • develops key scientific skills, including observing, predicting, problem solving, decision making, communication and critical thinking
    • provides opportunities for different types of enquiry, such as pattern seeking, observing over time, classifying and grouping, comparative and fair testing and research using secondary sources
    • builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key science concepts
    • develops creativity and curiosity, so that children ask questions about the world around them and have the desire to explore and investigate

Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as educational visits linked to the science curriculum, as well as visits to RSPB Wetlands and Elsecar Heritage Centre and Elsecar Park.

Implementation 

The National Curriculum 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework 2017 provide the basis for our science curriculum, which is then tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school.

Teachers will plan science using the newly developed progression document which will allow children to build upon prior knowledge and understanding. Knowledge organisers have been developed and introduced for teachers and pupils to use for each topic for reference and assessment purposes. This will map out the knowledge, vocabulary and skills needed to master the concepts.

Impact

Children will…

    • become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves
    • be able to communicate their ideas and findings using appropriate scientific terminology
    • have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school 

Scientific Enquiry

There are 5 types of scientific enquiry highlighted in the national curriculum for science and opportunities to plan and carry out each of the enquiry types have been written into our sequence of learning

When children plan and carry out scientific enquiries, they also learn how to develop their working scientifically skills. These are:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating
  • Our science curriculum provides opportunities for children to revisit their prior learning. Each lesson starts with a knowledge check activity, and we also use quizzes, games, and other practical activities to assess children’s knowledge and understanding. These activities provide explicit opportunities for children to make direct links between prior and current learning. 

A sample of our Science sequencing:

 

 

 

Useful Links & Documents

Development Matters – Non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Science programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2 (publishing.service.gov.uk)


KNOWLEDGE ORGANISERS