Science

Science

"Science is simply common sense at its best" Thomas Huxley

Intent- Why do we teach Science?

To provide our children with a framework of knowledge: Science is a way of helping the brain grow by discovering new knowledge and developing an understanding of how the world works.

To learn how to solve problems and make informed decisions: Scientific experiments follow a structured method: 1. Combining a scientific question with research, 2. Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis and 3. Evaluating the results to draw conclusions. Every decision we make in everyday life is based on the structure of a scientific method: curiosity leads to asking questions (what is the problem?), constructing a hypothesis (how do I solve it?), testing it with evidence and evaluating the result (did the solution work?), and making future decisions based on that result.

To develop and maintain curiosity: We believe that studying science will help to spark imagination, fuel curiosity and nurture inspired and confident young scientists. Without curiosity and wonder, children lose their natural inclination to observe the world, ask questions of it and investigate to find answers.

Implementation- What do we teach?

Our Science curriculum covers the three main areas of learning as set out in the national curriculum:  life & living processes (biology); materials (chemistry) and physical processes (physics). We want to give the children the opportunity to explore for themselves and therefore much of our science learning is undertaken through investigations.

We have designed a knowledge organiser for each unit of study, which gives the children and teachers the 'bigger picture' of the topic they are learning about.

Content of learning in Science:

Y1:  Everyday materials; Plants & Animals-including humans; Seasonal changes

Y2:  Use of everyday materials; Plants & Animals-including humans, living things and their habitats

Y3: Light; Rocks; Forces and magnets; Plants & Animals-including humans

Y4: Electricity; Sound; States of matter; Plants & Animals-including humans, living things and their habitats

Y5:  Forces; Earth & Space; Properties of changing materials; Plants & Animals-including humans, living things and their habitats

Y6:  Light; Electricity; Evolution & inheritance; Plants & Animals-including humans, living things and their habitats

Impact- Our Expectations

We start each unit with a diagnostic assessment, which gives teachers an idea of where the children are in their learning and what prior knowledge they have.  Our bespoke knowledge organisers set out what we want the children to know by the end of the unit of study.  We expect the majority of children to be able to recall many, if not all, of the key facts. At the end of the unit we use an 'end-of-unit-quiz' to assess the children's knowledge and understanding in relation to the content of learning.

Through their learning about the range of topics in Science and developing their scientific knowledge, the children of Downsview have the opportunity to develop a strong set of skills in working scientifically. These skills are developed throughout the year and throughout the key stages by building upon previous skills. 

See Science skills expectations by year group