Science
At Ellenborough we believe that science is inclusive and fosters curiosity in all children. Children experience and observe natural phenomena as well as look more closely at the natural and humanly constructed world around them. Through science topics we encourage the children to develop their curiosity by encouraging them to ask questions about what they notice, express their opinions and make links with other areas of learning such as Geography and Maths. At Ellenborough, children are taught scientific concepts through the use of first-hand practical experiences, as well as using some appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos to support children’s learning. Learning is elicited through use of knowledge organisers, so that children are clear on key learning from the onset. The children have opportunities to develop their understanding of different scientific ideas by using different types of scientific inquiry to answer their own questions. These include observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, making links as well as grouping and classifying things.
In Key Stage 1 your child will learn to use the following methods, processes and skills:
- asking simple questions (for example, 'What would happen if I didn't give a plant water?')
- observing closely, using simple equipment such as a magnifying glass
- identifying and classifying
- using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
- gathering and recording data to help in answering questions
Year 1
In Year 1, children will learn about:
- Plants, identifying and naming plants and looking at their basic structure
- Animals including humans, identifying and naming a range of animals and understanding how and why they are grouped (e.g. mammals, birds, amphibians etc)
- Everyday materials, looking at their properties
- Seasonal changes, observing changes across the four seasons and looking at different types of weather
Year 2
Children will study:
- Living things and their habitats, including dependence within habitats and micro-habitats
- Plants, observing how seeds and bulbs grow into plants and what plants need to stay healthy
- Animals including humans, focusing on reproduction, nutrition and exercise
- Everyday materials, comparing their uses and looking at how they can be changed by exerting force
