Science

Intent of the Science curriculum at Lakeside

At Lakeside we believe Science stimulates pupil’s curiosity, develops their sense of enquiry and their understanding of the world around them. Children learn to work as scientists, planning and undertaking practical investigations on their own and with others. Our intent is that all children fully achieve the aims outlined in the National Curriculum. Therefore children will:

• 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 investigations.
• answer scientific questions about the world around them are equipped with the scientific knowledge required.
• understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Implementation of the Science curriculum at Lakeside

Science in the Early Years

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, activities are planned in relation to the “Understanding the World” area of the foundation stage curriculum. Children’s progress and achievements are assessed against the Early Learning Goals at the end of reception. To see how their knowledge progresses through the Early years please click here.

Science in Years 1-6

In Key Stages 1 and 2 the science curriculum meets the full coverage as set out in the National Curriculum. This is planned through cross curricular topics and specific science lessons. Science planning follows our scheme of work which ensures that the essential skills are met within each phase. Our curriculum allows for key themes (Working scientifically, plants, animals including humans, living things and their habitats, evolution and inheritance, materials, seasonal changes including water cycle, electricity, forces and magnets, light and sound, earth and space and healthy lifecycle) to be revisited and built upon across the years in a progressive way. You can find a copy of the Science Progression Map here.

Children complete at least 1 science investigations per half term. We also use “Love To Investigate” to aid investigations every half term. These are linked to the topic and used even when Science isn’t a main driver. Science investigations are planned using the different types of enquiry. 

Primary Science Quality Mark

We are proud to announce that Lakeside Primary Academy achieved the PQSM - Primary Quality Science Mark in May 2022

You can read more about this here.

Supporting Science learning at home

Taking part in a Science investigation at home can be a great way to have fun with your child. 

Here are some great websites with ideas on for you to try at home.

https://www.stem.org.uk/home-learning/primary  

https://www.science-sparks.com/

https://pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials/Science-Fun-at-Home

Example of science investigations and learning

Foundation Stage 

The children in the Early Years have been exploring using their senses and observing changes throughout the autumn season. They have also been exploring which material is best for building a house, bricks, sticks or straw and thinking about how do animals keep warm?

Key Stage 1 

Took part in a science investigation "Why do we need two eyes?"

Year 3/4

Investigated the affect that the environment has on the growth of plants. 

Year 5

Went into Forest school to classify different mini-beasts using equpiment and an apps. The also investigated the question "Do we slow down as we get older?"

Year 6

Investigated what blood is made of and made their own blood. 

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