KS1: Look, Question, Try it and Learn
KS2: Observe, Question, Investigate, Understand
Scientists study the natural and physical world. They look for patterns and explain how and why things are the way they are across our universe. To be a scientist is to enquire, observe and investigate in order to understand how things work.
Science is a core subject and at Watchfield Primary School it as seen as such. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding, as well an enjoyment of Science. We do this through a thinking, talking and doing approach. Rather than teaching science simply as a body of facts to be learned this approach emphasis the principles of scientific enquiry.
All science lessons have a key question which will create a sense of excitement and intrigue. These questions will stimulate discussions about scientific topics and create practical, creative and challenging lessons. For example:
What will humans look like in a million years?
Which rock is best for building a Roman bath house?
What would happen if the Earth span at half the speed?
We want children to understand the different science enquiry types and skills that they will be taught and use in their science lessons. By using the grid below, children will be able to discuss and identify which skills they will need in order to answer their key questions.
Teachers assess children’s work in Science by making informal judgements as they observe them during lessons. On completion of a piece of work, the teacher assesses the work, commenting and feeding back as necessary. At the end of the year, the teacher makes a summary judgement about the work of each pupil in relation to the skills they have.
Science is FUN! If we can make it fun for all our students, then they will learn without realising it. Through science, we can teach the children to watch the world around them closely, to question what they see, to try out their ideas, to explain what happened and why, and to problem solve when things don’t work. These skills are vital to all children growing up in the rapid, ever-changing, technology-driven world around them. Science allows them to SOAR ...