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.

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.

The snow was another opportunity for the children to observe how changes in state happen over time.  The snow melted and our snowmen disappeared!  How did the snowman melt?

The focus of exploration over the Spring term in UFS has been ‘changing states’. Children have experienced the difference between ‘Physical change’ and ‘chemical change’.

The children explored with how ice may melt but then the ‘liquid’ water can freeze again over night in cold weather -changing it back into solid ice again.  This was done on several occasions as we observed freezing temperatures during Spring term.

Investigations 

KS1

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

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!