Stanton Community Primary School and Nursery

Stanton Community Primary School and Nursery, Upthorpe Road, Stanton , Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 2AW

admin@stanton.suffolk.sch.uk

01359 250225

Science

Science Statement of Intent

 Our intention when planning and delivering the science curriculum at Stanton Primary School is to foster and develop our pupils’ curiosity in the subject, whilst also helping them to fulfil their potential. Moreover, we aim to prepare our pupils for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. We intend learning in science to be through systematic investigations of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of their lives that rely mainly on first hand experiences, leading to them being equipped to answer scientific questions about the world around them. We also encourage the children to ask questions in their learning in order to be more inquisitive.  It is our intention that, through investigating in science, pupils will continue to deepen their respect for the world and all its phenomena, and increase their care and appreciation of it.

 

We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the CUSP programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions, gather accurate measurements, present their findings in a variety of ways and be curious about their surroundings. We believe that having key vocabulary for each unit of work will allow the children to have an understanding of what they are learning and help to ingrain specific concepts.

 

We believe at Stanton Primary School that children should be exposed to a variety of scientists and inventors regardless of gender, race, age and nationality in order to see the vast amount of fields that there are in science and the variety of people who are in this profession. It also very important that as a school we discover and learn about scientists who shape what we know today. This can include scientists extremely famous in their fields, scientists in our local area, scientists that may not be particularly well known as well in order to get balanced views. There are also scientists in the local area that as a school we feel are important to focus on including those at the local sugar beet factory, as well as companies such Treatt, Animacs and Hooks all of whom have a research and development team from the local area. 

 

We feel as a school it is important to relate science to everyday life and give everyday examples in order for the children put what they are learning into real life. We also aim to develop an appreciation of its contribution to all aspects of everyday life.  By extending the learning environment for our pupils via environmental areas and the locality this will allow the children to understand scientific concepts they are learning in real life practice. As a school we are lucky enough to have large grounds where the children are able to explore the natural habitat.

Children 'learning' Science 

Early Years and Foundation Stage 

In the EYFS, science is included within the Understanding the World area of learning. As with other learning in Nursery and Reception, your child will mainly learn about science through games and play – which objects float and sink during water play, for example. Activities such as these will help your child to develop important skills such as observation, prediction and critical thinking.

Useful Documents

For more information on the school's teaching and learning in Science please do not hesitate to get in contact with Mrs Bonnelykke the Science Lead, or click on the links below for some informative documents.

Children Recording Science 

Science at Home 

As well as any homework that is sent home their are lots of things that children can do at home both online but also with their family. Look at the attached resources to help you with some ideas.

 

Halloween Science

Christmas Science

Easter Science

 

SCIENCE SPARKS - A collection of fairy tale experiments is one of my favourite posts. You might also like the list of 10 science experiments every child needs to try at least once or these easy science and STEM challenge cards.

EXPERIMENTAL - We just love this collection of science videos from the Royal Institution. Find out about the chemistry of candles, make microwave mug cakes and lots more.

THE GREAT SCIENCE SHARE - The Great Science Share is a brilliant science event which takes place annually each June. The event is open worldwide and encourages children to share science with friends and family.

 BBC BITESIZE - BBC Bitesize is full of great science information, videos, games and activity ideas for all subjects across the National Curriculum.

SCIENCE AND ACTIVITY BLOGS -

Babble Dabble Do  full of gorgeous science and art ideas for kids. 

Inspiration Laboratories  more fun and easy ideas for science at home.

CODING WEBSITES FOR KIDS - Code is a fantastic website with coding tutorials, games and activities for kids of all ages.

We also love Scratch, it’s bright, colourful, easy to use and very visual.

WOW SCIENCE - Created in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust Wow Science is jam packed with some of the best science websites on the web. They’ve searched out great science investigation ideas and science resources so you don’t have to!

STEVE SPANGLER  - Steve Spangler is full of awesome science experiments for kids and adults.

EXPLORIFY - You have to sign up to Explorify, but it’s free and has lots of great videos and hands-on science activities.

GREAT SCIENCE ON YOUTUBE - 

Maddie Moate‘s channel is full of videos about animals, plants, travel and technology. We’ve learned so much and love to watch new videos as they come out.  

Kids Invent Stuff - brings to life a new kids invention every month! Very cool!