Science

Science at the Infants

Science is taught and explored thoroughly throughout the infant school. We are very fortunate to have our own Forest School, and we make full use of our outdoor areas to support scientific exploration and discovery. Our pond area is another special environment where children can observe and learn about animals, their life cycles and habitats in a real-world setting.

Whether recording data or getting hands-on with practical investigations, we ensure our children experience a broad and well-rounded science curriculum. This year, we hosted our first Science Week, which we plan to repeat annually. We were blown away by the support from our community and parents, who willingly shared their own experiences and knowledge.

During Science Week, the children had the opportunity to take part in a range of investigations, visit the junior school for a peer-learning experience, learn about significant scientists, and even enjoy a visit from an animal handler. This exciting experience gave the children the chance to hold and observe a variety of species, including insects, mammals, and reptiles—creating a truly memorable event.

Looking ahead, we will continue to nurture our special partnership with Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve, expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom, and strengthen our focus on sustainability as a school, considering the impact we have on our surrounding environment. Alongside this, we remain committed to delivering high-quality teaching and learning experiences, all driven by the enthusiasm and passion of our staff.

TEACHING OF SCIENCE OVERVIEW

Week	1		2	3	4	5	6
Journey	Lesson 1	Lesson 2	Lesson 3	Lesson 4	Lesson 5	Lesson 6	Lesson 7
Time	30 mins	30 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	90 mins
Focus	Assessment	Hook	Knowledge	Knowledge	Knowledge	Skills – SE	Assessment
Activities	Quiz, Discussions, Poster, Peer A. Based on previous learning.	V. Simple Front Cover. Video, Speaker or Activity. Knowledge Organiser.	Based on knowledge organiser for the unit and taught through linked rich lessons – teacher led, pupil led, practical activities, learning outside the classroom. This will include additional skills being taught, whilst knowledge learnt, but the LO to be based on knowledge.			Based on progression of skills doc. The LO to be based on Scientific Enquiry.	Mini STEM project to assess how well pupils can apply knowledge and skills.
Recording	None	Book	Written – Book	Written – Book	Written – Book	Written – Book	Photo – Book
Example Year 3 – Light	Revisit: Previous ½ term topic. Revisit: Understanding from Year 2 Materials – transparent, translucent and opaque.	Front Cover: Draw simple picture of the sun with title Light in frame. Hook: Time lapse video of sun creating shadows in natural world. KO: Stick in books and discuss.	Main: How do we see? Challenge: How does a periscope work? If we turn off a light why do we see better after time? Link: Vehicles or Road Safety.	Main: How is a shadow formed? Challenge: What happens if the object is either opaque, translucent or transparent? Link: Year 2 Materials	Main: What factors affect size and shape of shadow? Outdoor Learning: Playground - sun shadows Challenge: Making a sundial Link: Earth, Moon and Sun.	Skill: Presenting results from a test in a bar chart. One groups results could be given in a table. Link: Mathematics Data	Create: Shadow Puppet Theatre. Link: Panto or English Playscripts.