Science

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

Science has changed our lives and it is vital for the world’s future and prosperity.

Curriculum Intent:

All children should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, children should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. Children should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

At Christ the King, our children will be working as scientists to explore through hands on activities to create a sense of awe and wonder about the world they live in. Science should encourage rich questioning which stimulates thinking and makes children want to find out the answers to these ‘real life’ problems.

In order for our children to achieve well, they must not only acquire the necessary knowledge but also understand its value, enjoy the experience of working scientifically and sustain their interest in learning it.

We will explore the five types of scientific enquiry:

• observation over time
• research
• pattern seeking
• classifying and identifying
• comparative/fair testing.

We will learn about scientists who have made a difference in society and think about the role they play in the real world.

Knowledge:

Biology

• Living things and their environment (animals, humans, plants, habitats)

• Reproduction, inheritance and evolution (evolution, inheritance, life processes, life cycles)

Chemistry

• States of matter (solids, liquids, gases)

• Materials (properties and changes including reversible/irreversible changes)

Physics

• Energy (light, sound, electricity)

• Forces (friction, air resistance, gravity, magnets

Earth Science

• Earth and space (seasons, day and night, solar system and beyond)

• Rocks and fossils

Science in the Early Years (Nursery and Reception):

At Christ the King, all areas of learning and development at the Foundation Stage are inter-connected. Through engaging in science activities, children not only learn about the world around them but develop  skills in all areas. 

By the end of Reception, our children can identify similarities and differences between themselves and others, places, objects, materials and living things. They can make simple observations of animals and plants. They recognise that technology is used for particular purposes in different environments and can select technology appropriately. They can explore how to make things move

An effective scientist:

Is curious about the world around them and asks questions that require investigation.

Draws on prior knowledge to understand the world & make connections and predictions.

Has the skills to carry out all aspects of an investigation.

Works systematically and with increasing precision.

Can draw together evidence to make conclusions and use this to ask further questions.

Aims

The National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through biology, chemistry and physics
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Progression:

The understanding of key ideas in science is built on across the key stages and a progression of skills allows pupils to move from early observations and exploration, to considered questioning and drawing out of ideas.

Strategies to allow pupils to show their deeper understanding of key scientific ideas include; making observations, asking questions, planning their own investigations, producing annotated drawings, drawing scientific conclusions and developing their skills as young scientists.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Christ the King, we strive to build a culture in science where difference is valued and is part of what makes science inspiring. We highlight the scientists who have contributed to significant discoveries from the past and continue to take opportunities to ensure that these scientists are from a range of backgrounds and cultures. We encourage the children to challenge stereotypes and seek to raise the aspirations of children by highlighting careers in science and the STEM subjects

Useful websites:

Wonderseekers:

www.wonderseekers.charity/science-at-home

The team at Winchester Science Centre has created these digital activities for families to use at home. Conduct your own experiments. Play fun science games. Join in with science story time. You'll soon be thinking like professional scientists.

National Geographic:

www.natgeokids.com/uk/category/discover/science/

Do you dream of becoming an astronaut, engineer or naturalist? Then you’re in the right place! Our science for kids section is bursting with incredible science facts about the way our world works.

From biology, chemistry, physics and natural history, you’ll discover some incredible secrets, awesome theories and explore some bonkers experiments in our super science for kids.