Science at Excalibur

"I liked it when we used our senses to try and work out what different objects were." Year 1

"It's really important to eat a healthy balanced diet. That means little bits from each group- not just loads of one group." Year 2

"It was cool when we went outside to hunt for worms. We had to stamp on the ground. The worms thought it was the rain so they tried to come to the surface so that they didn't drown. That's what birds do so that they can hunt and eat them." Year 3

"I really enjoyed investigating whether circuits were complete or incomplete by testing to see if the bulb lit up. Most of my predictions were right because I knew that the electricity had to flow from the battery cell to the bulb and back to the battery cell." Year 4

"I found gestation periods much more interesting than I thought I would. The frog has such a short gestation period but can live for up to 20 years!" Year 5

"The heart is so interesting. I find it really amazing that our blood has plasma in it to make the blood sticky and then it forms a scab." Year 6

Preschool FS1

Reception FS2

In reception, we have talked about autumn, been on autumn walks and discussed what we noticed and why it was happening. We looked at birds' nests and made our own nests using sticks and other natural materials such as leaves. This led to us discussing bird migration, hibernation and nocturnal woodland animals.

We began to think about the life cycle of plants through collecting and studying seeds. We made observational drawings of flowers such as sunflowers and poppies and also made observational drawings of autumn finds. 

We then went on to explore light and dark through using torches to create light and hunting for different reflective materials.

Year 1

Year 1 have been exploring our bodies and our different senses. They had to guess what was in the bowl just using their sense of touch and then guess what the flavour of crisps was, using their sense of taste.

They then began classifying animals into groups, using their features to help them.

Mammals have fur/hair and give birth to live young

Birds have a beak and wings

Fish have scales and gills to help them breathe underwater

Reptiles have scaley skin and usually lay eggs

Amphibians usually have slimy skin and can live on land and in water

Year 2

Year 3

Last half term in science, we learned about nutrition and the human body. We explored why animals, including humans, need the right types and amounts of food to stay healthy and how we get nutrients from what we eat. The children sorted foods into food groups, learned about key nutrients, and used the Eatwell Guide to compare meals. They also investigated food labels to find out about fats, sugars and other nutritional information.

We then moved on to learning about skeletons and muscles. The children classified animals into vertebrates and invertebrates and compared different types of skeletons. They investigated how bones support movement, carried out experiments linked to the human skeleton, and designed their own investigations. Finally, they made models to show how muscles work together to move bones and explained how muscles contract and relax to create movement.

Year 4

Last term in Science, Year 4 explored States of Matter, developing their understanding of solids, liquids and gases. Pupils investigated how materials can change state through heating and cooling, learning about processes such as melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation. They carried out practical experiments, made careful observations and recorded results, helping them to think scientifically and use accurate vocabulary to explain what they discovered.

Year 4 also studied Animals, including Humans, where they learned about the different groups of animals and their key characteristics. A particular focus was placed on the human body, including the main organs and their functions. Pupils explored the importance of a balanced diet, exercise and good hygiene in keeping our bodies healthy. Through discussion, research and hands-on activities, children deepened their understanding of how to look after themselves and why healthy choices matter especially when looking after their teeth. The children were shocked to see the affects different liquids had on eggs. We likened the eggs' shells to the enamel that protects our teeth. Look at the fruit juice!

Year 5

Year 6

In Year 6 for the autumn term, the children began their learning with the topic of animals, including humans.

During this topic, they learnt about the circulatory system, including how the heart works and the main components of the blood. They also learnt about how the heart is affected by exercise, utilising their scientific enquiry skills through devising their own investigation.

For the second topic, they learnt about evolution and inheritance, starting with understanding how offspring inherit traits from their biological parents. They also learnt about the difference between inherited and acquired characteristics. The children then moved on to learn about evolution itself, initially through exploring the studies of Charles Darwin.