Science

At Cranfield Church of England Academy, we believe that a high quality Science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the future’s prosperity. All pupils at Cranfield are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Science. They are encouraged to understand how Science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes. Most of all, they are encouraged to develop a relentless curiosity and excitement about natural phenomena.

Aims:

The Cranfield 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.

The nature, methods and processes of Science:

‘Working scientifically’ is not taught as a separate strand at Cranfield Academy. ‘Working scientifically’ is embedded within the subject’s content whereby pupils focus on key features of scientific enquiry so that they learn a variety of approaches to answer scientific questions. These types of scientific enquiry will include:

• Observing over time.
• Pattern seeking.
• Identifying.
• Classifying and grouping.
• Comparative and fair testing.
• Research using secondary sources.

Working scientifically at Key Stage One at Lower Key Stage Two:

‘Working scientifically’ is taught throughout each unit. We provide the children with plenty of opportunities to develop their skills in science lessons. The children will be exposed to a variety of practical activities that allow their skills to develop further.

Vocabulary Rich Environments:

Our Science curriculum aims to reflect the importance of spoken language in pupils’ development across the whole curriculum. We believe strongly that the quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are key factors in developing their scientific vocabulary and articulating their scientific thoughts clearly and precisely. We assist children in making their thinking clear, both to themselves and others, and we ensure pupils build secure scientific foundations by using discussion to probe and remedy understanding.

Overview of Science:

Science at Key Stage One:

At Cranfield Church of England Academy, the principal focus of Science teaching in key stage one is to enable pupils to experience and observe phenomena, looking more closely at the natural and humanly-constructed world around them. Children will be encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice. They will be helped to develop their understanding of scientific ideas by using different types of scientific enquiry to answer their own questions, including observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests, and finding things out using secondary sources of information.

Children will begin to use simple scientific language to talk about what they have found out and communicate their ideas to a range of audiences in a variety of ways. Most of the learning about Science will be done through the use of first-hand practical experiences, but there will also be some use of appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos.

Pupils will also read and spell scientific vocabulary at a level consistent with their increasing word reading and spelling knowledge at key stage one. 

Working Scientifically at Key Stage One:

During Years One and Two, pupils will be taught to use and achieve the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the Key Stage One Science Programmes of Study. Our children will not be expected to cover each aspect for every area of study.

• I can ask simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways.
• I can observe closely, using simple equipment.
• I can perform simple tests.
• I can identify and classify.
• I can use my observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
• I can gather and record data to help me in answering questions.

Science at Lower Key Stage Two:

At Cranfield Church of England Academy, the principal focus of science teaching in Lower Key Stage Two is to enable pupils to broaden their scientific view of the world around them. Our children will do this through exploring, talking about, testing and developing ideas about everyday phenomena and the relationships between living things and familiar environments, and by beginning to develop their ideas about functions, relationships and interactions.
Children will be encouraged to ask their own questions about what they observe and make some decisions about which types of scientific enquiry are likely to be the best ways of answering them, including observing changes over time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative and fair tests and finding things out using secondary sources of information. They will draw simple conclusions and use some scientific language, first, to talk about and, later, to write about what they have found out.

Pupils will also read and spell scientific vocabulary correctly and with confidence, using their growing word reading and spelling knowledge. 

Working Scientifically at Lower Key Stage Two

During Years Three and Four, pupils will be taught to use and achieve the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the Key Stage Two Science Programmes of Study. Our children will not be expected to cover each aspect for every area of study.

• I can ask relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.
• I can set up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests.
• I can make systematic and careful observations.
• I can take accurate measurements using standard units and a range of equipment (thermometers, data loggers etc.).
•  I can gather, record classify and present data in a variety of ways to help me answer questions.
•  I can record my findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts and tables.
•  I can report on my findings with written and oral explanations, displays, presentations or results with conclusions.
•  I can use my results to draw simple conclusions.
•  I can make predictions for new values based on a previous conclusion.
•  I can suggest improvements to experiments and investigations I have conducted.
•  I can identify differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes.
•  I can use straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support my findings.

Useful Websites:

Please find a list of recommended websites that may be of use to assist you at home. Science at home can be fun, simple practical activities will encourage your child to think about science and their understanding will grow and grow. Have fun!

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z6svr82 - A fantastic website that covers all units of work, very animated and engaging for Key Stage 1 pupils.
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z2pfb9q - A fantastic website that covers all units of work, very animated and engaging for Key Stage 2 pupils.
• http://www.abpischools.org.uk/page/active_science.cfm - A range of interactive activities for the young scientists for 5-11.
• http://www.planet-science.com - Great resources to help Key Stage 2 pupils become scientific at home.
• http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc-home/vtc-ks1-home.htm - Go into resources/key stage/ science lesson plans and hands on games and activities (All subject areas covered on this website.
• http://www.eon-uk.com/EnergyExperience/85.htm - Helps to think about how energy is used at home.
• https://bpes.bp.com/usc-primary – Cool creations more suited to Key Stage 2.
• http://www.channel4learning.com/apps26/learning/microsites/E/essentials/science/index.shtml - Science Essentials from 4 Learning has information, clip art and worksheets for Key Stage 2 science.
• http://resources.hwb.wales.gov.uk/VTC/push_pull/eng/Introduction/default.htm - Forces for Key Stage 2.
• http://powerup.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/under-11.aspx - Electricity for Key Stage 2.
• http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/educators/teaching_resources.aspx - National science museum in London.
• http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/science/ - Some great activities for Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2.
• https://explorify.wellcome.ac.uk/en/activities - Easy to register, just type in your email address.  Short anytime activities to develop critical thinking skills. 
• https://www.science-sparks.com/ - fun, inspiring and creative Science experiments for all ages!