Alongside English and maths, science is one of the core subjects in primary school and is often one of the most exciting and practical areas of learning.

Children love science because it allows them to be hands-on, to explore, investigate and discover how the world works for themselves. A positive experience of science in primary school helps to build curiosity, confidence and enthusiasm, and can inspire children to continue studying science at secondary school and beyond.

The National Curriculum for Science focuses not only on knowledge, but also on developing pupils’ ability to work scientifically. This includes:

• planning investigations

• asking relevant questions

• making observations

• carrying out tests

• recording and analysing results

• using secondary sources

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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In the EYFS, science forms part of Understanding the World.

Children learn mainly through play and exploration, for example:

• investigating which objects float or sink

• observing changes

• making simple predictions

These activities help develop early scientific skills such as observation, curiosity, prediction and critical thinking.

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Key Stage 1

The focus in Key Stage 1 is to help pupils experience and observe the natural and man-made world around them.

Children are encouraged to:

• be curious and ask questions

• notice patterns and changes over time

• group and classify objects

• carry out simple tests

• use basic scientific language

Learning is primarily practical and first-hand, supported by books, photographs and videos where appropriate.

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Key Stage 2

Years 3 and 4

Children begin to:

• use new equipment such as data loggers

• collect and record data using tables and standard units

• look for patterns, similarities and differences

• draw simple conclusions

• recognise when secondary sources can help answer questions

They learn to communicate their findings using appropriate scientific language.

Years 5 and 6

Children develop a deeper understanding of scientific ideas, including more abstract concepts.

They are encouraged to:

• ask their own scientific questions

• analyse relationships and interactions

• recognise that scientific ideas develop over time

• choose appropriate enquiry methods

• justify conclusions using evidence

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are confident in selecting enquiry types and explaining their findings clearly.

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How Can I Support My Child in Science?

Be interested

Find out what your child is learning each term. Read books, research topics together and talk about ideas — learning alongside your child is powerful.

Take a trip

Visits to museums, zoos or aquariums spark curiosity and excitement, even if they are not directly linked to school topics.

Make it personal

Explore famous scientists and inventions together — you may even discover a future Stephen Hawking or Marie Curie at home!

Get hands-on

Try simple experiments at home using everyday items, such as:

• mixing food colouring, milk and washing-up liquid

• creating a mini volcano with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar

• cooking and observing changes in materials

• exploring solids and liquids with ice and water

• making “gloop” with cornflour and water

Hands-on activities make science memorable and fun.

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Further Support and Useful Web Links

National Curriculum – Science
Guidance on what children learn at each stage.

BBC Bitesize
Interactive videos, activities and quizzes covering all primary science topics.

Science Museum
Information, games and activities to bring science to life.

Children’s University of Manchester
Engaging science content designed for children.

Royal Institution – Christmas Lectures
Inspiring science talks for children, available to watch online.

National Geographic Kids
Articles, videos and games exploring science, animals and the natural world.