Science in Year 1

Working scientifically

During years 1 and 2, pupils should be taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:

• asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways

• observing closely, using simple equipment

• performing simple tests

• identifying and classifying

• using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions

• gathering and recording data to help in answering questions

Plants

Pupils should be taught to:

• identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees

• identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including trees.

Animals Including Humans

Pupils should be taught to:

• identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals

• identify and name a variety of common animals that are carnivores, herbivores and omnivores

Everyday Materials

Pupils should be taught to:

• distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made

• identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock

• describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials

• compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties.

Seasonal Changes

Pupils should be taught to:

• observe changes across the four seasons

• observe and describe weather associated with the seasons and how day length varies.