Science Subject Leader
Miss Bradbury
Our Intent for Science
Science is the study of the natural world and at Hasland Infant and Nursery School we believe that this is best learned through experiments and observation. Our intention is to progressively develop the scientific ability of all of our learners. As children move through school, they are taught to extend their knowledge and vocabulary to aid their scientific thinking. As scientists, the children are encouraged to develop their investigation skills based on the learning of a wide range of topics. Children are given the means to question the world around them and to plan their own inquiries. By the time children leave our school they should be able to observe and compare, and to group and classify. They should also be able to raise their own scientific questions and have the confidence to research these. They will explore, inquire and be encouraged to notice patterns. It is our aim that they approach scientific experimentation logically by predicting, investigating, recording results and making conclusions. Exploration and investigation are embedded into every topic and the ultimate goal of our science curriculum is to nurture a thirst for knowledge. As responsible scientists we also ask each child to take on the title of Global Guardian. This is to develop their understanding of reduce, re-use and recycle. We want our children to understand that they have an important role to play in looking after our Earth’s resources.
Click on the link below to view documents related to science. These include The Science Policy, Progression of Skills and a Key Knowledge Grid.
Science Related Quotes from Children
Reception
"We try things out"
"I like finding things out"
"We can discover everywhere"
"Put things in water and they will sink or float"
"Sometimes things happen when you don't think they will"
Year 1
"There are different types of animals like mammals, reptiles and birds"
"It was fun learning what carnivores, herbivores and omnivores eat"
"I grew cress and took it home and had it in a sandwich"
Year 2
"I made a prediction and it wasn't right but it didn't matter"
"There are so many materials, metal, plastic, wood, glass and things can be made of more than one material"
"Dead means you were once living"
"You have to water plants or they die but if you water them too much they also die"
Investigations
In Nursery and in all of our classrooms we have science investigations for the children to freely access. Young scientists need opportunities to explore science activities and try out ideas. They can perform experiments and have chances to try out their widening science vocabulary.
Science Displays
Each classroom has a dedicated science board where science work can be showcased. Science vocabulary is displayed, as well as the key knowledge. Young scientists can use the displays to check vocabulary and to help them to remember prior learning. It can give them ideas and raise new questions.
You will also find there our working scientifically skills symbols. These are a visual aid for the children to know and remember each working scientifically skill: measuring and observing, setting up an enquiry, questioning, recording data, analysing results, discussing and prediction.
Our Early Years Curriculum
Our Early Years science curriculum offers children the chance to participate in exciting investigations such as the 'Balloon not Bursting' experiment. In this experiment a skewer is shown to not burst a balloon because of the way it is inserted. Teachers have full knowledge of the science behind each experiment so can answer any questions as fully as possible. Would you know why the balloon doesn't burst?
Or would you like to try moving a paper frog without touching it?
Key Stage One
During Year 1, children study science in from four National Curriculum areas. These areas are 'Materials' , 'Seasons' , 'Animals including Humans' and 'Plants'. Their work builds on the knowledge and skills learned in the Early Years.
In Year 2, there are also four National Curriculum areas. These are 'Materials','Habitats', Animals including Humans' and 'Plants'.
Examples of progression through the 'Plants' area of the curriculum are shown below.
Global Guardians
At our school every child and adult is a Global Guardian. We are committed to protecting our planet and conserving its resources. To represent their class, each class has elected a Chief Global Guardian and these children meet once every half term. During the meetings we discuss what we can do at school to show our love of the Earth and its precious resources.
We send all the other Global Guardians messages from the Chief Global Guardian meetings and have encouraged classes to have:
In the year 2023-2024, the Global Guardians worked towards and achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag award.
This means we have been recognised for our work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness throughout our school.
Led by our Chief Global Guardians, all pupils worked on an Action Plan focussed on 3 key issues: Global Citizenship, Marine and Biodiversity. Together, we raised money for the RSPCA, completed an art project made of recycled materials and made bird boxes for our wildlife garden. These were carefully selected by the children to increase environmental awareness and make a meaningful contribution to global conservation efforts.
To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk