Science

To foster a sense of wonder and natural curiosity about the world.
To make full use of the local outdoor space to gain first-hand experience of plants, animals, nearby habitats and seasonal changes.
To encourage the children to confidently question how the world works.
To develop the children’s ability to investigate the scientific questions that they generate.
To ensure that the children understand that the scientific method is a fantastic tool which enables them to deepen their understanding of how the world works.
To offer exciting, active opportunities for the children to explore science, leading to the development of transferable scientific skills.
To develop the children’s ability to work co-operatively as part of a team.
To develop the children’s ability to communicate their thoughts in a clear, logical way, making use of the correct scientific vocabulary.
To develop the children’s ability to think critically about an investigation and be able to identify possible errors, potential improvements and further experiments.
To understand that we are all scientists and that careers in science are open to all genders, races, nationalities and religions.

Children will be taught through our 4 Key drivers.

To provide the children with frequent opportunities for hands-on exploratory play. For example, when studying magnets put a selection of resources out around the classroom and give the children freedom to play, experiment and discuss what they find. Use this play as a way for the children to generate their own scientific questions. Encourage the children to develop investigations which explore the questions that they have generated.
Use our practical investigations to link into other areas of the curriculum where appropriate. For example, presenting data using statistical methods such as bar-charts and graphs.
Use our practical investigations to develop critical thinking skills. For example, analysing what went wrong with an experiment and identifying any misconceptions. Also, suggesting improvements to an experiment which would allow it to be repeated more effectively.

Teachers communicate clearly with the children, confidently using a wide range of appropriate scientific vocabulary.
Children given opportunities to develop their confidence in using appropriate scientific language when discussing their observations, theories and findings.
Children given opportunities to develop their ability to work as part of a team.

Helping the children to understand that their body is affected by the lifestyle choices that they make. For example, regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet will support their life-long growth and development. Equally, poor dietary choices and a lack of physical activity can store up problems for the future.

To increase the children’s awareness about the impact that our lifestyle choices have on our local environment and the wider world. For example, ensure that the children understand that the energy that we consume to power our homes, cars and electronic devices often results in long-term damage to the environment.
To help the children understand that we all have a responsibility to protect and conserve our world and its natural resources. For example, if we reuse or recycle different objects this can reduce our impact on the environment.

Children at Crowland are expected:

To be excited by the world around them, whether the wonders of the natural world or the marvels of modern technology.
To demonstrate a natural inquisitiveness and curiosity about how the world works.
To show a developing understanding of the scientific method and how it allows them to deepen their knowledge about the world.
To demonstrate the ability to work co-operatively with others as part of a team.
To use play to generate their own scientific questions and begin to create their own investigations to test their ideas and theories.
To show a developing ability to use correct scientific terminology to explain their thoughts and findings.