Science National Curriculum

Y1: Science

National Curriculum of England Hands-On Education Activity
Sc1/1.1 asking simple questions and recognizing that they can be answered in different ways
Sc1/1.2 observing closely, using simple equipment
Sc1/1.3 performing simple tests
Sc1/1.4 identifying and classifying
Sc1/1.5 using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
Sc1/1.6 gathering and recording data to help in answering questions.
Sc1/2.1a identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees
Sc1/2.1b identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including trees
Sc1/2.2a identify and name a variety of common animals including, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
Sc1/2.2b identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores
Sc1/2.2c describe and compare the structure of a variety of common animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals including pets)
Sc1/2.2d identify, name, draw and label the basic parts of the human body and say which part of the body is associated with each sense
Sc1/3.1a distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made
Sc1/3.1b identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock
Sc1/3.1c describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials
Sc1/3.1d compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties
Sc1/4.1a observe changes across the 4 seasons
Sc1/4.1b observe and describe weather associated with the seasons and how day length varies.

Understanding KS1 Science Objectives

Amphibians Y1 Activity

The KS1 Science curriculum is designed to lay the foundational stones for children's scientific knowledge, honing their skills in several key areas. These objectives are pivotal as they guide young learners through the basics of scientific exploration and understanding. Here's a breakdown of the core objectives:

Exploring Characteristics of Living Things

  • Identification and Naming: Students are expected to recognize and name various common animals and plants.
  • Living vs Non-Living: It's crucial that students comprehend the distinctions between what is living and what is not.

Comprehending Basic Life Processes

  • Essential Needs: Children learn about the basic needs of living things including growth, reproduction, and the necessity for energy.

Observation Skills

  • Investigative Learning: Encouraging children to engage in making simple observations and measurements.
  • Use of Tools: Introductory usage of simple scientific tools like magnifiers aids in detailed observation.

Material Properties

  • Identification and Comparison: Learning to identify and articulate the differences between various materials.
  • Utility Understanding: Children will also explore how the properties of materials can determine their use in different contexts.

Understanding Physical Processes

  • Environmental Changes: Describing observable environmental changes and understanding their natural causes, such as day turning into night and seasonal shifts.

Communication and Recording

  • Scientific Vocabulary: Developing the ability to communicate observations using appropriate scientific terms.
  • Recording Observations: Beginning to record findings through simple drawings and labels, which is essential for scientific communication.

These objectives are not just about learning facts; they are about building a framework for analytical thinking, problem-solving, and nurturing curiosity about the natural world. This comprehensive approach ensures that children are well-prepared for more advanced scientific studies in the future.

Birds Y1 Activity

What does the National Curriculum for Science cover in KS1?

The National Curriculum for Science at Key Stage 1 (KS1) encompasses a diverse range of topics aimed at instilling foundational scientific knowledge in young students. Below is a detailed outline of what the curriculum includes:

Exploring Local Plants

Students in year 1 are encouraged to study the plants found in their own environments. This part of the curriculum focuses on recognizing and naming various common plants, both wild and cultivated, as well as distinguishing between different types of trees, such as deciduous and evergreen.

Learning About Animals and Humans

Children also delve into the world of animals, learning to identify and categorize common animals into groups like mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. There's an emphasis on understanding the characteristics that differentiate these animal groups and the human body.

Understanding Materials

Another significant component involves identifying and comparing everyday materials. Children learn to differentiate between materials such as wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock, observing their properties and common uses.

Observing Seasonal Changes

The curriculum also covers the observation of the four seasons, enabling students to understand and describe the weather patterns and changes in day length associated with each season.

This comprehensive approach ensures students gain a solid grasp of basic biological, physical, and environmental science concepts from an early age, setting a strong foundation for future scientific learning.

Fish Y1 Activity

What scientific methods, processes, and skills should pupils learn in Years 1 and 2 according to the programme of study?

In the first two years of schooling, the program of study emphasizes fundamental scientific skills and methodologies that are critical for young students’ development. During this important stage, children are introduced to a range of activities designed to spark their curiosity and develop their ability to think scientifically. Here’s what they should learn:

Key Scientific Skills for Years 1 and 2
  • Questioning Techniques: Pupils are encouraged to ask varied questions, understanding that there are multiple ways to explore and investigate these queries.
  • Observation Skills: Students should practice meticulous observation using basic tools. This helps them see the details and notice patterns or changes in their surroundings.
  • Conducting Experiments: They will engage in straightforward experimental activities. This hands-on approach is about learning by doing, which helps solidify their understanding of simple scientific concepts.
  • Classification: Children learn to sort and classify objects based on different characteristics, aiding in their analytical skills.
  • Hypothesis and Prediction: Using the observations they have made, pupils are taught to form ideas and make simple predictions on possible outcomes.
  • Data Handling: They gather and record data, learning the basics of data representation which is crucial in interpreting results and drawing conclusions.

These foundational skills not only boost pupils’ scientific knowledge but also equip them with the ability to apply logical thinking to everyday problems.

Mammals Y1 Activity

What specific topics are covered in the National Curriculum for Science in Year 1 and Year 2?

Here's a detailed breakdown of the topics covered in the National Curriculum for Science for Year 1 and Year 2 students in primary education:

Year 1 Science Curriculum

Exploring Local Flora:

  • Students engage with their immediate surroundings to observe and record various plant species.
  • Lessons focus on identifying and naming common wild and garden plants, differentiating between deciduous and evergreen trees.
  • Young learners also study the basic structures of common flowering plants and trees.

Animal Studies:

  • Children broaden their understanding of animal biology by identifying and categorizing common animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
  • The curriculum covers dietary classifications, distinguishing carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.
  • Comparative anatomy is explored, with students describing and comparing structures across various animal species.
  • Basic human anatomy is introduced, with an emphasis on naming body parts and associating them with the senses.

Material Science:

  • Pupils investigate everyday materials, learning to differentiate between objects and the materials they are composed of.
  • A range of materials including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock are identified and named.
  • Students describe and compare the physical properties of these materials, grouping them based on observable characteristics.

Seasonal Changes:

  • The curriculum incorporates the observation of seasonal variations, focusing on changes in weather and daylight.
  • Children document and discuss weather patterns and seasonal effects on their environment.

These outlined topics help foster curiosity and observational skills among young learners, providing a broad foundation in natural science from an early age. Engaging students with their environment and immediate material world, the Year 1 National Curriculum lays essential groundwork for subsequent scientific education.

Amphibians Y1 Activity

Hands-On Education's dedication to immersive and effective English learning is commendable. It's inspiring to see a team that understands the value of engaging children in interactive and enjoyable methods to foster a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Their approach is centred around creating diverse lesson plans, activities, worksheets, and videos that correspond to at least one point in the English national curriculum standards. This not only ensures that children have fun, but also equips them with essential skills that will be beneficial in the future.

To address the importance of adhering to the national curriculum, it is crucial to recognize that it is not merely a set of guidelines but a statutory framework. As educators, following the national curriculum is imperative because it ensures a consistent, well-structured progression of learning. This systematic approach is designed with careful consideration of the children's age and developmental stages, ensuring that the knowledge and skills taught are appropriate and build upon each other effectively.

In addition to making learning enjoyable, Hands-On Education helps parents and teachers ensure that this educational journey aligns seamlessly with statutory requirements. To make it easier for parents to navigate the curriculum, Hands-On Education has created a list of year groups and their respective curriculum guides. These guides offer a thorough overview of the topics and skills that are taught in each year group, enabling parents to use them as a reference guide to the national curriculum of England. By utilizing these guides, parents can guarantee that their child receives a well-rounded education that prepares them for future challenges.

What are the national curriculum expectations for science?

Fish Y1 Activity

The National Curriculum of England sets clear expectations for science education, ensuring that students not only grasp key concepts but also develop essential scientific skills through structured activities. Here's a closer look at how these expectations are met through hands-on activities, aligned precisely with the curriculum guidelines.

The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of science by engaging students in various activities that cover everything from basic questioning to complex experiments. Each activity is mapped directly to specific learning outcomes as mandated by the curriculum.

The curriculum is designed not just to impart knowledge but to ensure that students can apply this knowledge in practical settings. Each activity listed is part of a carefully structured approach that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. These activities are vital for helping students meet the specific learning outcomes expected at each stage of their education. They also provide teachers with a clear framework to guide their instructional strategies, ensuring that all educational goals are met comprehensively.

This structured approach to science education ensures that by the end of each key stage, students have a thorough understanding of various scientific principles and are well-prepared to advance to more complex concepts. The activities are designed not only to meet the curriculum's requirements but also to ignite a passion for science among students, encouraging them to explore and question the world around them.

What do Year 1 children learn about plants, animals, everyday materials, and seasonal changes in science?

Reptiles Y1 Activity

In the first year of school, students embark on an exploration of their immediate surroundings to develop their understanding of biology and the natural world. The curriculum mandates that students learn to recognize and categorize a diverse array of plants found in their environments, including both wild and garden varieties, along with deciduous and evergreen trees. Furthermore, they are taught to observe and describe the fundamental structures of common flowering plants and trees.

When studying animals, Year 1 pupils learn to identify common species such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including differentiating between carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores. They examine and document the physical structures of these animals, and also learn about the human body, identifying parts and correlating them with the five senses.

The science curriculum extends to inanimate objects, as students investigate everyday materials. They differentiate between objects and the materials they are made of and become familiar with materials such as wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock. They describe these materials' properties and learn to group them based on these characteristics.

Finally, the subject of seasonal changes introduces children to the four seasons, prompting them to observe and describe the changes in weather and daylight patterns throughout the year. This holistic approach encourages children to actively observe and question their physical world from a scientific perspective.

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