Science

 

"The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing". - Albert Einstein 

 

At Diss Infant Academy and Nursery we believe through the study of Science children will develop an insatiable curiosity and interest about the world around them. We strive to teach scientific concepts through practical investigations, enquiries and experiences. Through practical investigations children are encouraged to ask ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’. The children are supported to develop these independent thinking skills  which will support them throughout their years of learning.  

Reception

In Reception our children will begin to experience science through observing the world around them. They will learn how they are unique, similar and different from others. They will explore seasonal changes and why they occur, habitats and much more. The children are encouraged to begin their scientific enquiry through questions and observations. 

KS1

In Years 1 and 2 the children observe, explore and ask questions about everyday materials, seasonal changes, living things and their habitats, plants and animals including humans. The children explore different scientific enquiries through practical activities and begin to recognise ways in which they can answer scientific questions. The children perform simple tests, gather and record data, their findings are discussed using age related scientific language and they begin to notice patterns and relationships. 

Within the National Curriculum, Science is a core subject and aims to develop children’s understanding and knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Scientific investigation is covered through exciting topics throughout the school year.

Term 

EYFS

Year 1 

Year 2 

Autumn 1

Knowing Me, Knowing You

Ourselves - What makes them unique, how are they similar/different to others.

Everyday Materials

Identify and name a variety of everyday objects. 

Distinguish between object and the material from which it is made. 

Describe the simple physical properties of everyday materials. Group and compare them. 

Uses of Everyday Materials

Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials for particular use. 

Find out how the shape of solid objects made from certain materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching. 

Autumn 2

Starry, Starry Night

Seasonal changes -

Making observations and why things happen.

Hibernation - Showing care and concern for living things.

Light and dark, reflection - Talk about their observations and how things work.

Seasonal Changes

Observe changes across the four seasons and the associated weather. Observe how day length varies. 

Living Things and their Habitats

Explore and compare the differences between things that are living, dead and have never been alive.

Identify living things such as plants and animals that live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats, including micro habitats provide the basic need for different animals and plants and how they depend on each other.

Describe how animals obtain their food from plants and other animals, using a basic food chain. Identify and name different sources of food. 

Spring 1

Treasures of the Earth

Fossils - Understanding of simple decay and changes over time.

Oceans - Features of their own environment and how environments might vary to that of their own.

Treasure hunters - Similarities and differences between everyday materials and objects. 

Plants

Identify, name and describe a variety of common and wild garden plants. Including deciduous and evergreen trees

Plants

Observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants. 

Find out and describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay healthy.  

Spring 2

Look at That!

Planting - showing, care and concern, talk about changes and why they occur.

Changing materials through melting - Make simple observations of similarities/ differences/patterns and change. 

Plants 

Identify, name and describe a variety of common and wild garden plants. Including deciduous and evergreen trees.

Plants

Observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants. 

Find out and describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay healthy.

Summer 1

What a Wonderful World

Locations around the world linked to stories read- desert, African plain, garden, woodland.

Features of their own environment and make simple observations of how different environments might vary from one another for example animals and basic plants found in those environments.

Make observations of animals and plants and discuss why some things occur and change.

Animals including humans

Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. 

Identify and name common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. 

Animals including humans.

Notice that animals, including humans, have offspring which grow into adults. 

Find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans for survival (Including water, food and air).

Describe the importance for humans of exercise, eating the right amounts of different types of food and hygiene.  

Summer 2 

Building Bridges and Stepping Stones

Mini-beasts - Make observations and why some things occur, talk about changes.

Building - Materials, places, objects - Similarities and differences.

Animals including humans

Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. 

Identify and name common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. 

Animals including humans.

Notice that animals, including humans, have offspring which grow into adults. 

Find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans for survival (including water, food and air).

Describe the importance of exercise, eating the right amounts of different types of food and hygiene for humans.