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Westbury Infant School and Resource Base

Science

At Westbury Infants, we provide the children with high-quality science education.

This gives children the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

Speaking and listening is highly valued throughout science lessons, as this not only encourages children to explore scientific vocabulary but also share and develop their ideas with others.  
An emphasis is placed on ‘Working scientifically and we strive to develop a love of science where questioning and an exploratory attitude is at the heart of learning.

 

 

 

 

Useful science websites

 

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6svr82 Super revision tool. Very child friendly that has all they need to know.

https://www.stem.org.uk/primary-science

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/curations/science-activities

https://happyhooligans.ca/science-activities-for-kids/ This American site (has adverts) has many school and home learning ideas for children of all ages.

https://explore.org/livecams/currently-live/crane-camera Loads of live webcams featuring a huge variety of animals.

BBC Bitesize

Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary

Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2

Description: interactive resources covering the primary science curriculum.

Registration: not required

STEM Learning (Home learning)

Website: https://www.stem.org.uk/primary-science

Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2

Description: an online resource bank, which links to resources on external websites. The site features a live chat function offering support from subject experts. New home learning resources are being developed.

Registration: not required

Science unplugged - activities to do without the internet

 

 

 

 

The Four Seasons: Draw four pictures of the view from your bedroom window or of a tree in your garden. One each for spring, summer, autumn and winter. What changes would you expect to see? Why?

Plants: Plant some seeds and observe the changes over the next couple of months. Record you findings in a simple diary. What did you need to do to allow the plant to grow well? You could try planting some seeds in a clear plastic cup with damp kitchen roll so you can see the roots.

Senses: Ask a family member to set up a ‘Guess the Smell’ challenge. They could use different foods or items from the garden such as cut grass. Remember to use your sense of smell not sight! They could also challenge you to ‘Guess the Object’. Put a blindfold on and only use your sense of touch. Can you describe what the objects feel like? Can you feel what material the object is made from?

Habitats: Go on a minibeast hunt around your garden. Make a record of the minibeasts you find and where you found them. Are the minibeasts found in the same types of places? What is the same about these places? Can you make a habitat in your garden that would encourage new animals to visit you? What do different animals want? Why?

Questioning: Make a list of questions about the world around you. How would you start to solve your problem? Which of the five types of enquiry (observing over time, classifying and grouping, pattern seeking, research using secondary sources, comparative and fair testing) will help you answer the question? How could you present your findings?