As with the rest of the curriculum science is underpinned by the development of language and practical application. During years 1 and 2, pupils are taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:
- Observing over time
- Sorting and classifying
- Pattern seeking
- Research
- Fair testing
They experience different types of scientific enquiries, including practical activities, and begin to recognise ways in which they might answer scientific questions.
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Plan
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Do
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Review
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Observing over time
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- Ask questions about how and why things change
- Ask questions about how and why things are similar or different
- With help identify changes to observe and measure and suggest how to do it
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- Use non-standard units and simple equipment to record changes
- Record in words or pictures or in simple prepared formats such as tables and / or charts
- Make comparisons between simple features of objects, materials or living things
- Record observations in words or pictures or simple tables
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- Identify simple changes and talk about them
- Sequence the changes
- Begin to use scientific language to talk about the changes
- Say whether the change was as expected
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Sorting and classifying
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- Decide what to observe to identify or sort things
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- Sort objects by observable and behavioural features
- Record my sorting in sorting circles or tables
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- Identify similarities and differences and talk about them
- Begin to use scientific language to talk about how things are similar or different
- Use my records to help sort or identify other things
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Pattern seeking
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- Ask questions about why and how things are linked
- With help decide what patterns to observe and measure and suggest how to do it.
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- Use non-standard units and simple equipment to record events that might be related
- Record in words or pictures or in simple prepared formats such as tables, tally charts and maps
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- Identify simple patterns and talk about them
- Make links between two sets of observations
- Begin to use scientific language to talk about patterns
- Talk about whether the pattern was as expected
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Research
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- Ask questions about how things are and the way they work
- With help make suggestions about how to find things out
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- Use simple books and electronic media to find things out
- Ask questions to find out what people do and how things work
- Record in words and pictures what you find out
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- Begin to use scientific language to talk about what you have found out
- Talk about whether the information source was useful
- Give an opinion about some things you found out
- Interpret and talk about data
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Fair testing
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- Ask questions about why and how
- With help notice links between cause and effect
- With help identify simple variables to change and measure
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- Use non-standard units and simple equipment to record data
- Record in words or pictures or in simple prepared formats such as tables or tally charts
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- Begin to use simple scientific language to identify and describe simple causal relationships
- With help say if their test was fair
- Say if the relationship was as expected
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