Science

We believe that to reverse the decline in UK science graduates, we must start by engaging and inspiring children at KS1 and KS2. The National Curriculum asks schools to emphasise the scientific method as well as teaching core science facts. The only way to learn these skills is by doing practical science… And lots of it! The Empiribox approach to science at KS1 and KS2 is to allow children to do hands-on, exciting science experiments every single lesson for every year they are in the primary phase. At the beginning of each term, all equipment for children to work in pairs is delivered to our school in one box. All of the experiments have been designed with children in mind. They are safe, fun and incredibly informative, maximizing the learning potential in all children. Anything a child makes can be taken home and many experiments are easy to recreate with parents, therefore encouraging continued learning.

Science Curriculum

Science is taught for one afternoon each week. Each term the children focus on either biology, physics or chemistry knowledge.

Key Stage 1 Two Year Rolling Programme   Key Stage 2 Four Year Rolling Programme

For example in Physics – An Introduction to Forces (KS1) and Forces and Magnetism (KS2) the children learn the following:

Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2)

I can identify a pull and a push. I can describe a force. I can explain that objects need a force to make them move. I can identify which way a force is moving. I can explain that gravity is a force on earth. I can test if materials are magnetic. I can compare how things move on different surfaces.

Lower Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4)

I can compare how things move on different surfaces. I know that some forces need contact between two objects. I know that magnetic forces can act at a distance. I know that magnets can attract or repel each other. I know that magnets attract some materials but not others. I can compare and group everyday materials based on whether they are attracted to a magnet. I can identify some magnetic materials. I can describe magnets as having two poles. I can predict whether two magnets will attract or repel, depending on which poles are facing.

Upper Key Stage 2 (Year 5 and 6)

Forces I can explain that unsupported objects fall towards Earth because of the force, gravity. I can identify the effects of air resistance. I can identify the effects of water resistance. I can identify the effects of friction. I know that mechanisms (levers, pulleys and gears) allow a smaller force to have a greater effect. I can research how scientists helped to develop the theory of gravity. Earth and Space I can describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun. I can describe the movement of the Moon relative to the Earth. I can describe the Sun, Earth and Moon as approximately spherical bodies. I can explain day and night and the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky in relation to the Earth’s rotation.

Progression in Science Knowledge

The following documents outline the knowledge that children are taught in each unit.

Key Stage 1 Knowledge Progression          Key Stage 2 Knowledge Progression

Science Investigations

Each term the children also focus one of the skill sets of Planning a Scientific Investigation; Collecting and Analysing Data and Evaluation of a Scientific Investigation. As children progress through the years they embed what they have learnt in previous years whilst being introduced to new and more complex skills.

KS1 Science Skills Progression        KS2 Science Skills Progression