The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of 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.

The children in UFS enjoy learning about the world around them, especially science. Every opportunity is taken to develop science learning across the curriculum, exploring the natural world. 

Children in Lower Key Stage 2 learning about the different types of teeth in humans and their functions. 

Each pupil was provided with a small piece of bread, and they were set a challenge for them to hold it in their mouth without chewing or swallowing for about 30 seconds. 

We have noticed the change in weather in Spring, from snow to sun to rain. We loved getting outside in the rain and kept dry with our umbrellas. 

In Saplings, we have been learning all about the seasons and we noticed signs of Spring in our outdoor area - new buds on the trees, daffodils growing and not needing our coats on when we went out to play. We learnt that plants start as seeds and that they need water and light to grow. We planted our own runner bean seeds and will take them home to see how they grow

Making pancakes

Pancake batter is runny and drippy and liquid, pancakes are floppy but solid.  This was a great opportunity to make and eat pancakes but also to learn about a liquid and a solid (a chemical change that is irreversible).

Chemical changes in materials have been explored through cooking activities such as making porridge and pancakes.  The children observed before and after cooking discussing the differences they could see.

Investigations 

Investigations across the school.

KS1

Children in KS1 exploring habitats and going on a bug hunt. 

The children then built a habitat for a fox that has lost his home. 

KS1 have conducted lots of investigations this year. They have been sorting and classifying materials, investigating which materials would be the best to keep us dry. They also investigated how germs spread and the best way to wash their hands. 

LKS2 

Children in UKS2 investigating questions about light.  

Does light travel in straight lines?  How can I prove this?

Does the distance from the light source affect the height of a shadow?

UKS2

The children in UKS2 had a visit from the huge chemical company, Croda. Croda prides themselves that their people and operations are what make them who they are, they have people across the world, operating in 37 different countries but as one global team. The children were engaged in science experiments that tested to see which sunscreen had the highest UV protection, using UV beads and torches.

One of our school values is 'Aspiration' and it is crucial for us to inspire and motivate children to achieve whatever they want to, be who they want to be and by inviting scientists from the world of work into school, allows children to see what options could be available to them.

The children had a fantastic time, learning about mixtures in a real-life context, applying this to sunscreen and UV protection.

.

Children in UKS2 followed instructions to make 5 mixtures. 

• A mixture containing two solid substances.
• A mixture containing three different coloured substances.
• A mixture containing three substances which are the same colour.
• A mixture containing a liquid and a solid. 
• A mixture containing a magnetic material and another solid substance. 

Children in UKS2 observed the dissection of a heart as part of their Science topic - Heartbeat. Many of the children wanted to have a go themselves!

In UKS2, the children have been working scientifically to separate a mixture. They have been explaining how sieving separates a solid -  solid mixture.