Science at Granard

At Granard, we believe that “theory guides and experiment decides”.  Therefore, as a school, we strive to develop a lifelong sense of curiosity and fascination in our pupils.  We teach science using experiments and investigations; using high quality resources to enhance learning.  As pupils progress through school, they build on their skills in working scientifically, as well as in developing their science knowledge and understanding. Pupils also develop their independence in planning and carrying out fair and comparative tests to ask and answer a range of scientific questions.

Progress in Science

Gaining scientific knowledge is key to our science topics. Important topics are revisited to revise previous learning so that knowledge is built upon.

EYFS

Science is taught through exploration, observation, discussion and most importantly, through play. Pupils go on local nature walks, visit a farm and welcome visitors, such as ducklings and small zoo animals. They are encouraged to ask questions and to connect their new learning with existing knowledge.

Key Stage One

Pupils begin to learn science through a more direct style of teaching involving exploration and investigation.  In Year 1, they apply their knowledge of weather to learning about the 4 seasons; in Year 2, they apply their knowledge about living things in their local area and beyond, and are introduced to animal-based vocabulary such as: camouflage, predator, carnivore and herbivore.

Key Stage Two

In addition to developing their existing knowledge, pupils explore science by using Investigation boxes.  These boxes contain all the necessary resources to deliver a high quality scientific investigation… and they are also used to provide exciting demonstrations and/or experiments, which serve as opportunities to explore a key concept.

Demonstration and Explanation

Each topic includes opportunities for hands-on investigation and experimentation.  The aim of these well-resourced investigations is to spark an interest in pupils to begin to ask their own questions, and further deepen pupil’s scientific understanding.

Investigation and Exploration

Once pupils have watched and discussed the demonstration, they plan and carry out an investigation.

In each topic, pupils are given opportunities to develop their understanding through exploration. This can be through building, or exploring with apparatus.

At the end of lessons, pupils reflect on their learning and use a knowledge organiser to ensure understanding.  They are posed the question: “How would you do this differently next time?”

Assessing Progress

Pupil progress is measured through a child’s ability to know more, remember more and explain more. Evidence of this is found in 3 main ways:

• Pupil books show photographic, pictorial and written explanations. They also show predictions, reflections, observations and consideration of future investigations. 
• Teachers assess against National Curriculum expectations from Year 1 through to Year 6.
• Pupils demonstrate their level of understanding through conversation, where many will be able to confidently and excitedly demonstrate their scientific knowledge and enquiry skills in an actively curious manner… hungry to learn more!

Helpful Science Links

General science activities

Space themed activities

‘World Around Us’ themed activities

Outdoor Learning