Knowledge and skills:

During Year 1 & Year 2 the children learn about the following scientific areas:

Working scientifically:

The children learn to:

• ask simple scientific questions;
• use simple equipment to make observations;
• carry out simple tests;
• identify and classify things;
• suggest what they have found out;
• use simple data to answer questions.

Biology

Animals, including humans:

The children learn to:

• name a variety of animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals;
• classify and name animals by what they eat (carnivore, herbivore and omnivore);
• sort animals into categories (including fish, amphibians,  reptiles birds and mammals);
• sort living and non-living things;
• name the parts of the human body that I can see;
• link the correct part of the human body to each sense;
• explain the basic stages in a life cycle for animals, including humans;
• describe what animals and humans need to survive;
• describe why exercise, a balanced diet and good hygiene are important for humans.

Living things and their habitats:

The children learn to:

• identify things that are living, dead and never lived;
• describe how a specific habitat provides for the basic needs of things living there (plants and animals).;
• identify and name plants and animals in a range of habitats;
• match living things to their habitats;
• describe how animals find their food.;
• name some different sources of food for animals;
• explain a simple food chain.

Plants:

The children learn to:

• name a variety of common wild and garden plants;
• name the petals, stem, leaf and root of a plant;
• name the roots, trunk, branches and leaves of a tree;
• describe how seeds and bulbs grow into plants;
• describe what plants need in order to grow and stay healthy (water, light & suitable temperature).

Chemistry

Everyday materials and their uses:

The children learn to:

• distinguish between an object and the material it is made from;
• explain the materials that an object is made from;
• name wood, plastic, glass, metal, paper and rock;
• describe the properties of everyday materials;
• group objects based on the materials they are made from,
• identify and name a range of materials, including wood, metal plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard;
• suggest why a material might or might not be used for a specific job;
• explore how shapes can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching;
• group objects based on the materials they are made from.

Physics

Seasonal changes:

The children learn to:

• observe and comment on changes in the seasons;
• name the seasons and suggest the type of weather in each season.