Hampton Dene Primary School

Science is a systematic investigation of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the world which relies on first hand experiences and on other sources of information. The scientific process and pupils’ problem-solving activities will be used to deepen their understanding of the concepts involved. The main aspects of science to be studied will be determined by the programmes of study of the National Curriculum (see link below).  Through science pupils at Hampton Dene Primary School will continue to deepen their respect, care and appreciation for the natural world and all its phenomena.

Aims

• to develop pupils’ enjoyment and interest in science and an appreciation of its contribution to all
• aspects of everyday life
• to build on pupils’ curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world
• to use a planned range of investigations and practical activities to give pupils a greater understanding of the concepts and knowledge of science
• to introduce pupils to the language and vocabulary of science
• to develop pupils’ basic practical skills and their ability to make accurate and appropriate measurements
• to develop pupils’ use of information and communication technology (ICT) in their science studies.
• to extend the learning environment for our pupils via our environmental areas and the locality
• to promote a ‘healthy lifestyle’ in our pupils.

Objectives

To develop pupils’ enjoyment and interest in science and an appreciation of its contribution to all aspects of everyday life.

• to develop a knowledge and appreciation of the contribution made by famous scientists to our knowledge of the world including scientists from different cultures
• to encourage pupils to relate their scientific studies to applications and effects within the real world
• to develop a knowledge of the science contained within the programmes of study of the National Curriculum.

To build on pupils’ curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world

• to develop in pupils a general sense of enquiry which encourages them to question and make suggestions
• To encourage pupils to predict the likely outcome of their investigations and practical activities

To use a planned range of investigations and practical activities to give pupils a greater

understanding of the concepts and knowledge of science

• to provide pupils with a range of specific investigations and practical work which gives them a worth-while experience to develop their understanding of science
• to develop progressively pupils’ ability to plan, carry out and evaluate simple scientific investigations and to appreciate the meaning of a ‘fair test’.

To develop the ability to record results in an appropriate manner including the use of

diagrams, graphs, tables and charts

• to introduce pupils to the language and vocabulary of science
• to give pupils regular opportunities to use the scientific terms necessary to communicate ideas about science
• to develop pupils’ basic practical skills and their ability to make accurate and appropriate measurements
• within practical activities give pupils opportunities to use a range of simple scientific measuring instruments such as thermometers and force meters and develop their skill in being able to read them.

To develop pupils’ use of information and communication technology (ICT) in their science

studies

• to give pupils opportunities to use ICT (including microscopes, digital camera, data loggers) to record their work and to store results for future retrieval throughout their science studies
• to give pupils the chance to obtain information using safe searching on the internet, CD-ROMs and other data bases.