Science

Welcome to Science at Highfield

At Highfield, we aim to develop our children’s abilities in Science using an integrated approach that consists of building their scientific knowledge through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. These will be taught through following different types of science enquiries, which will help them to develop ideas, questions and answers to scientific concepts and about the world around them. Teachers plan Science so that there are cross-curricular links made with other subjects, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Aims

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.

Science National Curriculum https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/425618/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Science.pdf

Working Scientifically at Highfield

‘Working scientifically’ specifies the understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science. This aspect of the curriculum is embedded within the content of biology, chemistry and physics, focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. These types of scientific enquiry should include: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. Pupils at Highfield seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data. ‘Working scientifically’ will be developed further, once pupils have built up sufficient understanding of science to engage meaningfully in more sophisticated discussion of experimental design and control.

Our Science Curriculum can be found here – Science Curriculum 2021-22

Our Science long term plan 2023-2024 can be found here – Science LTP

Scientist of the Term

Each term at Highfield, the children are introduced to a new significant figure within the world of Science. So far, pupils have learnt about a great range of individuals, including: Malone Mukwende, Julie Townsend, Mae Jemison etc.

The children have thoroughly enjoyed learning about different STEM occupations and how their learning at school can be linked to jobs. Click on the links below to explore a diverse range of science related jobs.

https://pstt.org.uk/application/files/7916/2851/6348/Marine_biologist_-_Dawood_Qureshi.pdf (Dawood Qureshi – A marine biologist)

https://pstt.org.uk/application/files/8716/2851/6248/Earth_Scientist_-_Fangxian_Fang.pdf (Dr Fangxian Fang – An Earth scientist)

https://pstt.org.uk/application/files/5716/2851/6121/Astrophysicist_-_Vanessa_Emeka-Okafor.pdf (Vanessa Emeka-Okafor – an astrophysicist)

Wider Learning

See below for a range of links to websites, online learning resources and DIY Science experiments that link to your child’s learning.

EYFS

Science Activities – https://www.firstdiscoverers.co.uk/early-years-science-activities-eyfs/

DIY Science Activities https://www.science-sparks.com/early-years-science-themed-activities/  

Y1 and Y2

Revision Material on Animals – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z6882hv

Getting Children in the Garden – http://www.thekidsgarden.co.uk/

Nature Walk Ideas – https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/03/nature-detectives/

Habitats Learning – https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/teacher-category/habitats/

South London Botanical Institute – https://www.slbi.org.uk/

Y3 and Y4

RockWatch – https://geologistsassociation.org.uk/children/

Learning Materials on Rocks – https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/geology-rocks/#

Learning Materials for All Topics – https://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/learning-activities/

Experiments based on Light – https://buggyandbuddy.com/light-experiments-for-kids/

Learning Materials on the Digestive System – https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/science/general-science/your-digestive-system/

Learning Materials on Habitats – https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/teacher-category/habitats/

Sound – https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/schlieren-flow-visualizations-sound

How to Make a Tune Booster – https://learning.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/resources/tune-booster/

States of Matter Project Ideas – https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/science-projects/science-projects-for-kids-states-of-matter.htm

How to Make Instant Ice-Cream – https://learning.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/resources/instant-ice-cream/

Y5 and Y6

Learning Materials on Earth and Space – https://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/learning-activities/science/the-earth-and-beyond/introduction/

Visit the Space Centre – https://spacecentre.co.uk/

Visit the London Wetlands – https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/

States of Matter Project Ideas – https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/science-projects/science-projects-for-kids-states-of-matter.htm

Discovering the Circulatory System – https://www.curiscope.co.uk/pages/science-lesson-plans-human-body#circulatory

Learning Materials on Evolution and Inheritance – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zvhhvcw

Learning Materials on Habitats – https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/teacher-category/habitats/