Science at SASM
Our Science Curriculum
All pupils work in our science lab
Training young people to become scientists is facilitated at SASM through our Science Lab. Opened in 2017, the lab is used for an hour a week by each class to develop science enquiry skills. Practical, hands-on experiences are central to our enjoyment of science and the development of science capital. All children spend an hour a week in our lab development their enquiry skills.From making our own teeth to testing the effects of fizzy sweets, children are able to conduct enquiries based on their own questions.
Lab sessions are complemented with weekly science knowledge lessons in the classroom.
Science Club
Science club runs for 30 sessions a year. Children have been exposed to the joys of science through different hands-on practical activities each week. These activities involve links to other STEM subjects such as maths and computing. This year we have started a book share for SASM children who attend the club where we recommend STEM themed books that have been read. Through the science club we have also welcomed children from Maple Infants school who have used the lab to explore circuits and water rockets.
Activities completed include:
- Designing and firing water rockets made from recycled materials.
- Testing friction using different materials.
- Trying to defy gravity with parachutes.
- Protecting an egg with a space shuttle made from recycled materials.
- Creating sand timers using our knowledge of volume and time.
- Creating light art while looking at refraction and reflection.
- Making our own bubbles with links to chemistry.
STEM Projects - linking the curriculum
We know that when learning is connected between subjects it is not only more enriching it is more likely to be remembered. Each year group takes part in a STEM project which aims to link science, computing and DT. The projects include
Year 3 - To work in-role as a nutritionist to produce a guide for healthy living, demonstrating knowledge of health, sandwich recipes and fitness data. Science topic - Animals, including humans.
Year 4 - To produce a working buzz wire game, which includes computer-aided design and designs which reflect how the game works with: physical design (DT); code design (computing) and circuit design (science). Science topic - electricity.
Year 5 - To produce a stuffed toy product, explaining the properties of materials used. Websites (or games) to be created using the toy, learning how modern children’s toys are marketed across different media. Science topic - properties of materials.
Year 6 - To produce a working model of a fairground ride, explaining how the model creates a successful circuit . Micro:Bits areused to programme an aspect of the ride. Science topic - electricity.
Work with other schools - PSTT Cluster
SASM is part of a group of ten schools who are working together to carry out collaborative activities for both teachers and pupils depending on the
needs identified by the schools in the Cluster. Activities include
● collaborative events
● resourcing projects
● enrichment activities
● networking meetings
Bringing science home!
Science forms part of our everyday lives. If you are itching to try out some science at home, here are some useful websites you can visit to continue your science adventure:
BBC's Terrific Scientific has a host of practical experiments you can try with things you can find around the home. It also has games and videos to explain the science behind your adventures:
BBC Bitesize gives support to parents and children with the science curriculum. There are plenty of fun games, activities and knowledge to look at:
The Royal Institution's website has some amazing experiment and science craft activities to try at home. There are also loads of shows you can attend with your family. Click below to find out more!
