2023-2024

Purpose of study

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all children should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Science. Through building up a bank of key knowledge and skills, children will be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how Science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.

Here's what some of the children had to say about Science teaching and learning at Ryvers.

"Investigations are interesting and challenging"

"We were investigating to see how fast solids dissolve but the caster sugar remained stuck to the bottom of the cup and  the same thing happened with the icing sugar which was interesting."

"Our teacher uses practical activities which are memorable."

"I know I am making progress because I am remembering key words like condensation, evaporation and metamorphosis."

Science Week 2023

Science Week Poster Competition

British Science Week 2024 takes place during 8th-17th March and this year the theme is 'Time'

Get your paints or colour pens to the ready and put those thinking hats on!

There will be a prize for Nursery, KS1, Lower KS2 and upper KS2. For every entry there are 10 house points on offer.

For some inspiration go to the website to look at the winners of the national competition last year.

https://www.britishscienceweek.org/plan-your-activities/poster-competition/

Here’s the lowdown on what the judges will be looking for:

Creativity in approach – Innovative angle on the content or creative interpretation of the theme

Content – Clear, accurate and informative about a STEM topic

Effective communication – presented and communicated in an engaging way

Entries must be one page of A4 or A3 paper only

Work must be original and created by you (not your parents please!) please do not use any templates.

ON THE BACK OF THE POSTER  

–first name, class and age

Ms Keila

How to support your child with their Science learning at home:

Science is a way of understanding the world, a perspective, and a pattern of thinking that begins in the very earliest years. That is why parental involvement is so important in a child’s Science education.

Families who explore the world together nurture scientific thinkers. 

Do Science in Your Home

Observing: Invite your children to notice small details.

• “What shapes do you see in that spider web?”
• “Does the crust on this bread feel different from the crust on that one?”

• “Let’s sort the socks by colour.”
• “Can you think of a way to divide your toys according to a pattern?”

Predicting: Put ideas about how the world works into words and test them.

• “How long will an ice cube last sitting on the table?”
• “Will it last longer on another surface?”

Quantifying: Encourage children to quantify the world around them.

• “Who is the shortest person in the family? By how much?”
• “How many steps big is your room? The living room?”

Myths about Science 

Myth #1: Science teaching is better left to the science teacher.

A parent is a child's first and most important teacher. Whether you know it or not, your child has been learning from you since the moment he or she was born. Many parents, however, would rather leave Science teaching to the teacher. Parents play a very important role and have the ability to significantly increase a child's interest and performance in Science. With a little creativity, you can work Science into your child's everyday life and find many opportunities for you and your child to explore and learn together.

Myth #2: Science is difficult.

It would be difficult to know all the facts of Science. But Science isn’t just facts. It’s a way of seeing the world around us and solving problems. Doing science is for everyone! That’s why “being scientific” is a great family activity.

Myth #3: Science is all about facts and not very interesting.

SCIENCE IS FUN! Science teaching today is a lot different than it was years ago. Today's emphasis is on inquiry, which means children are encouraged to explore their own natural curiosities about the world around them. Science museums and centers are sprouting up around the country because they allow children to conduct independent investigations on their own … and children have a lot of fun!

Myth #4: Science requires equipment.

Science is everywhere! The skills of science can be practiced in any environment, including the kitchen or the park. The best way to begin is through conversation. 

Useful Science Websites