Curriculum Expectations in Science for Year One

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 omnivore

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.