Science

Overview of Science at Meadow

In Key Stages One and Two, we follow the Kent Scheme which closely follows the National Curriculum. The three main disciplines of Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are integrated within the programme of study for each year group, through the wide range of topics studied. Scientific knowledge and skills are taught and developed using a wide range of activities and practical experiences to enhance children’s conceptual understanding and broaden their wider scientific knowledge.

At Meadow, the Kent Scheme of Work forms the basis of our science teaching. However, teachers have the flexibility to adapt this scheme in order to enhance the delivery of their science lessons. Each unit is introduced by the use of a scientific hook to engage the children, assess prior knowledge, and to stimulate discussion about the topic within the class. In each lesson, children have the opportunity to explore one of the five scientific enquiries: fair testing; pattern seeking; grouping and classifying; research through secondary sources; and observations over time. All lessons focus on teaching the knowledge content in science through practical activities and exploration.

In addition to the teaching of science, we also focus on a broad range of key figures who have been important in the development of science. These include: Diane France, Charles Macintosh, Amy Vedder, Mae Jemison, Mary Anning, Tu Youyou, Marie Curie and Charles Darwin amongst others. We also promote an interest in STEM through our PSHE scheme which looks at the role of women in science, Ada Twist the Scientist and William Kamkwamba (The Boy who Harnessed the Wind) amongst others.

Subject Leads

Mr David Hughes & Mr Jack Anson

Intent, Implementation, Impact

Curriculum Statement.pdf

Curriculum Overview

Progression of Objectives

QofE Science End Points .pdf

End points at each stage of learning.


QofE Vocabulary Ladder Science.pdf

Vocabulary ladder

Science

National Curriculum Links

science-national-curriculum.pdf

Pupil Voice

Gallery

Planetarium Visit

Our Year 5 pupils experienced a planetarium in our school hall.

The realistic Space experience is a great chance to revisit their Autumn term learning about Space, the Solar System and Space exploration.

2022 Science week


Science week was a huge success this year in Meadow. The children made monster slime, parachutes for eggs, became crime scene investigators, made rockets and lots more.  

IMG_2667.MOV

In Year 5, the children participated in a series of mini experiments, emulating the work conducted by scientists at Urenco. This included: separating mixtures, observing substances and classifying substances.

Foundation Science Club

Foundation loved taking part in STEM club and participated in a range of activities including: slime making, marshmallow and spaghetti towers, programming bee bots, launching rockets, exploring magnets and investigating water resistance.

Transition day in Year 5

Next year's year 5 classes had a blast on their transition day conducting investigations using biscuits. The children discussed what they would want to find out and came up with "Which biscuit is the strongest?" and "Which biscuit is the most buoyant?"


The classes found that out of hobnobs, rich teas, malted milks and digestives the strongest AND most buoyant biscuit was the rich tea with one biscuit able to be dunked for over 15 minutes! The children discovered that the weakest and least buoyant was the malted milk which lasted a matter of seconds before falling apart. 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Children learned about William Kamkwamba and how he taught himself about science, and managed to save his village by building a wind turbine that watered the crops. Our children also experimented with other scientific circuits that might be useful in William's village.

William Kamkwamba was named in TIME magazine and one of 30 people under 30 who are changing the world!

William Kamkwamba

Solar Power

Water Detector

Additional Activities to Support Learning

Year 5 will be taking part in an exciting new science project. The activities are written in conjunction with the scientists at Innospec and address real issues around sustainability faced by the company.

They will become the next generation of adults and it is important that they are educated about sustainability issues so they can take positive action to help preserve their future in a changing world.