Working Scientifically

This is the core area to science teaching. We can fill children's head with facts they can parrot when asked but that will not produce the next generation of scientists. Getting this right is what will inspire our future physicists, botanists and astronomers. We need to instil a love of science from an early age. The truth is that we are all born scientists - anyone teaching EYFS will tell you how many questions a child can ask in one hour let alone a day! We are programmed to be curious and to wonder why. We must equip children with the skills and knowledge to go on the scientific pursuit of answering the why, how and what if questions they pose. We must nurture their natural curiosity and ensure it is not lost as they progress through school and grow older.

Key Stage Vocabulary Lists

I like to get the children to work in role as a scientists for each unit. This is to help bring science alive for the children and to make real life links to careers in science. I think this is important in helping children to articulate their understanding of what a scientist is and helping them to identify their interests. Children may not have a passion for science as a general concept (though hopefully this isn't the case) but they may love botany or chemistry just as a child who enjoys football may not like all sports.

Working Scientifically Symbols

These can be displayed as part of your science working wall/ display and referred to during session to highlight the skills for the lesson. They can also be used as success criteria in children's books.

Look at the working scientifically statements for your year groups to see which ones you should use.

Science Week