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Science - Key Stage 2
Scheme of Work

Please note that due to HMSO copyright restrictions we are unable to detail the following Programmes of Study. However, please refer to the 1994 National Curriculum document for the relevant passages.
Each Programme of Study (POS) is visited every two years within a four year cycle. Hence year one is not 'first year junior', but the first year of the four year cycle.
Each term has been divided into 14 study units - 7 study units either side of half term.

First Year - Term 1
Programme of Study

Materials and their properties

1. Grouping and classifying materials
a & b

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Comparing characteristics and uses.
  2. Sorting materials - natural/man-made.
  3. Testing materials for strength and hardness.
  4. Testing materials for flexibility - keeping records.
  5. Testing materials for magnetism and look at magnetic behaviour.
  6. Thermal insulation.
  7. Testing for better thermal insulators.
Level 4
  1. Comparing characteristics and uses based on strength, hardness, flexibility and magnetic behaviour.
  2. Strength and loads.
  3. Testing for strength and shape.
  4. Testing to see which materials return to original shape and which remain bent or stretched.
  5. The uses of magnets in everyday life - strong/weak magnets.
  6. Good and bad thermal insulators around the home.
  7. Testing for better thermal insulators.
Level 5
  1. Safety check of school based on characteristics of materials.
  2. Playground hardness - natural v. manmade.
  3. Concrete mixes - which mix will be the strongest.
  4. Uses of flexible materials.
  5. Making and using a compass.
  6. Thermal insulation in a compost bin.
  7. Devising fair tests to compare different compost bins.

First Year - Term 1
Programme of Study

Materials and their properties

4. The Earth and beyond
a, b, c & d

Study Units

Level 3

  1. The Earth, Sun and Moon are approximately spherical.
  2. The Sun’s position in the sky - how shadows change.
  3. Why we have night/day.
  4. The orbit of the Moon.
  5. Our Solar System.
  6. Planets and stars.
  7. Making models demonstrating study units 1, 2 or 3.
Level 4
  1. Assessment based on Level 3 work.
  2. Making and using a shadow meter.
  3. Phases of the Moon.
  4. The seasons.
  5. The scale of our Solar System.
  6. Constellations.
  7. Making models to demonstrate study units 4 or 5.
Level 5
  1. Assessment based on Level 4 work.
  2. Predictions about length of shadows as the position of the Sun changes.
  3. Experiment to show that the Earth spins.
  4. Internet work on seasonal patterns - prediction v. fact.
  5. Using data on our Solar System.
  6. Using data on location of constellations.
  7. Making an orrery.

First Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

1. Life processes
a & b

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Commonality of life processes between humans and animals.
  2. Feeding in humans and animals - farm visit.
  3. Movement and behaviour in humans/animals.
  4. The human life cycle.
  5. Growth/support in human/animals.
  6. Life processes in plants - nutrition.
  7. Reproduction in plants.
Level 4
  1. Commonality of life processes showing variation between species.
  2. Feeding for survival - farm visit.
  3. Study of one of the animals seen at the farm.
  4. The life cycles of the animals on the farm.
  5. Comparing growth in plants of the same family.
  6. Comparing the nutritional needs of plants.
  7. The variety of ways in which plants reproduce.
Level 5
  1. Assessment on life processes.
  2. Variety of food for humans - farm visit.
  3. Study of a variety of plants seen on the farm.
  4. The life cycle of plants on the farm.
  5. Growth in relation to nutrition and genetics.
  6. Growth in relation to hormones - experiment with plant growth.
  7. Reproduction in plants.

First Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Materials and their properties

1. Grouping and classifying materials
d

2. Changing materials
a, b, c, d, e & f

3. Separating mixtures of materials
a, b, c, d & e

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Classifying rocks and soils.
  2. Separating solid particles.
  3. Dissolving solids in solution.
  4. Changes which can/cannot be reversed.
  5. Changes in temperature for water - reversible.
  6. Simple water cycle.
  7. Burning materials.
Level 4
  1. Characteristics of rocks and soil.
  2. Separating particles using filtration.
  3. Evaporation to recover solids.
  4. Mixing materials causing them to change.
  5. Changes in state for water.
  6. The water cycle.
  7. Changes in burned materials.
Level 5
  1. Comparing rocks and soil from different localities.
  2. Separating soil types using past knowledge.
  3. Evaporation as a means of separation.
  4. Changes in materials.
  5. Changes in water - experiments.
  6. Devise a water cycle.
  7. Rusting and burning - the need for oxygen.

First Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

2. Humans as organisms
a, b, c, d, e, f, g & h

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Dental care - Colgate project.
  2. Dental care - Colgate project.
  3. Diet.
  4. Diet.
    either:
  5. Bones and muscles.
  6. The effects of exercise.
  7. The circulation of blood.
    or - P.S.E. (Sex education using B.B.C. videos.)
Level 4
  1. Dental care - Colgate project.
  2. Dental care - Colgate project.
  3. Circulation of the blood.
  4. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
    either:
  5. The main stages of the human life cycle.
  6. Diet.
  7. Diet.
    or - (P.S.E.)
Level 5
  1. Dental care - Colgate project.
  2. Dental care - Colgate project.
  3. The heart and circulation of the blood.
  4. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
    either:
  5. The main stages of the human life cycle.
  6. Diet.
  7. Diet.
    or - (P.S.E.)

First Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

5. Living things in their environment
a, b, c, d & e

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Improving the environment - school garden - litter.
  2. School garden - planting.
  3. School garden - habitat hunt.
  4. Food chains around the garden.
  5. River walk.
  6. Comparison of plants and animals.
  7. Seasonal changes and their effect on the environment studied.
Level 4
  1. Improving the environment - school garden - fertilisers.
  2. School garden - planting.
  3. School garden - creating a habitat.
  4. Food chains for the future.
  5. River walk.
  6. In depth study of a river plant.
  7. In depth study of a fish.
Level 5
  1. Improving the environment - school garden - compost.
  2. School garden - planting.
  3. School garden - creating a habitat.
  4. Maintaining a balance of food chains.
  5. River walk.
  6. Study of the river as an ecosystem.
  7. Study of the river as an ecosystem.

Second Year - Term 1
Programme of Study

Physical processes

2. Forces and motion
a, b & c

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Bar magnets - attraction and repulsion.
  2. The Earth's pull - weight and gravity.
  3. Stop/start - friction.
Level 4
  1. Bar magnets - magnetic fields.
  2. Centre of gravity.
  3. The effects of friction - investigations.
Level 5
  1. Weak and strong magnets.
  2. Forces and acceleration.
  3. How to increase/reduce friction.

Second Year - Term 1
Programme of Study

Physical processes

3. Light and sound
a, b, c, d, e, f & g

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Light travels from a source - pinhole cameras.
  2. Light makes shadows.
  3. Ears and sound.
  4. Sound travels through materials.
  5. Sound travels through materials.
  6. Reflecting sound.
  7. Musical instruments.
Level 4
  1. Light is reflected from surfaces.
  2. Light enters our eyes - viewing box.
  3. Making a periscope.
  4. How sound is produced in musical instruments.
  5. Computer generated sound.
  6. Making musical instruments.
  7. Recording sound.
Level 5
  1. Light travels in straight lines and can be reflected - using a light gun.
  2. Reflection patterns - kaleidoscope.
  3. Bending light.
  4. Sound production.
  5. Detecting frequency and pitch.
  6. Monitoring noise using the computer.
  7. Handling data based on monitoring.

Second Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

3. Green plants as organisms
a, b, c & d

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Growing plants - what do they need?
  2. The effect of sunlight on plants.
  3. The effect of temperature on plants.
  4. The purpose of the root.
  5. The life cycle of plants.
  6. Simple plant classification.
  7. Seed dispersion.
Level 4
  1. Growing plants, trees and shrubs.
  2. The leaf - structure and uses.
  3. Experiment on the effect of temperature.
  4. Root systems of plants, trees and shrubs.
  5. The life cycle of plants and trees.
  6. Classifying plants around the school.
  7. Variety of seed dispersion.
Level 5
  1. Growing plants- circulation.
  2. Photosynthesis.
  3. Experiments on the effects of temperature and light.
  4. The growth hormone in [plants.
  5. Detailed study of the life cycle of a named plant.
  6. Using a plant classification book.
  7. Seed dispersion in a given habitat.

Second Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

4. Variation and classification
a

5. Living things in their environment
a, b, c, d & e

Study Units

Level 3

  1. School walk. (5.a)
  2. Comparison of this season's plants with those of the summer. (5.b)
  3. Food chains.
  4. Decay - micro-organisms.
  5. Ways to classify.
  6. Plants in tropical environments - Tropical House visit.
  7. Detailed study of tropical plants.
Level 4
  1. School walk. (5.a)
  2. Comparison of this season's plants and animals with those of the summer. (5.b)
  3. Food chains.
  4. Microbes - using a microscope.
  5. Classification using a key.
  6. Plants in tropical environments - Tropical House visit.
  7. Study on how tropical plants benefit man.
Level 5
  1. School walk. (5.a)
  2. Comparison of this season's plants and animals with those of the summer. (5.b)
  3. Food chains.
  4. Microbes - using a microscope.
  5. Classification - more complex flow charts.
  6. Plants in tropical environments - Tropical House visit.
  7. Study of tropical rain forest as an eco-system.

Second Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Physical processes

1. Electricity
a, b, c & d

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Lighting bulbs.
  2. Lighting two bulbs - circuit drawings.
  3. Make a torch using a simple switch.
  4. Making an electrical model using switches.
  5. Making an electrical model using switches. - show circuit drawings.
  6. Testing good and bad conductors.
  7. Different voltages and their dangers - electric kit.
Level 4
  1. Circuit drawings and diagrams.
  2. Switches - ways to make them.
  3. Making bulbs brighter or dimmer.
  4. Making an electrical model using switches and dimmers.
  5. Making an electrical model using switches and dimmers - show circuit diagrams.
  6. Electromagnets - how to make one.
  7. Creating movement from electricity.
Level 5
  1. Lighting bulbs using a diagram.
  2. Switches and buzzers.
  3. Connecting circuits.
  4. Wiring for a purpose.
  5. Wiring for a purpose.
  6. Using a motor in a circuit.
  7. Making an electrical model with a motor.

Second Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Materials and their properties

1. Grouping and classifying materials
a, b, c & e

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Comparing characteristics and uses.
  2. Strength and hardness/flexibility and magnetic behaviour..
  3. Thermal insulation.
  4. Testing for better thermal insulators.
  5. Conductivity - good and bad conductors.
  6. The uses of solids, liquids and gases.
  7. Classify materials into solids, liquids and gases.
Level 4
  1. Comparing characteristics and uses based on strength, hardness, flexibility and magnetic behaviour.
  2. Strength and loads, flexibility and shape.
  3. Good and bad thermal insulators around the home.
  4. Testing for better thermal insulators.
  5. Testing for conductivity.
  6. Changes in state - maintenance of shape and volume.
  7. Similar size means similar volume.
Level 5
  1. Safety check of school based on characteristics of materials.
  2. Playground hardness - natural v. manmade.
  3. Thermal insulation in a compost bin.
  4. Devising fair tests to compare different compost bins.
  5. Testing for conductivity and uses.
  6. Liquids have weight and volume.
  7. Weighing a gas.

Third Year - Term 1
Programme of Study

Physical processes

3. Light and sound
a, b & c

4. The Earth and beyond
a, b, c & d

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Light travels from a source - pinhole cameras.
  2. Light makes shadows.
  3. The Earth, Sun and Moon are approximately spherical.
  4. The Sun's position in the sky - how shadows change.
  5. Why we have night/day.
  6. The orbit of the Moon.
  7. Our Solar System.
Level 4
  1. Light is reflected from surfaces.
  2. Light enters our eyes - viewing box.
  3. Assessment based on Level 3 work.
  4. Making and using a shadow meter.
  5. Phases of the Moon.
  6. The seasons.
  7. The scale of our Solar System.
Level 5
  1. Light travels in straight lines and can be reflected.
  2. Reflection patterns - kaleidoscope.
  3. Assessment based on Level 4 work.
  4. Predictions about length of shadows as the position of the Sun changes.
  5. Experiment to show that the Earth spins.
  6. Internet work on seasonal patterns - prediction v. fact.
  7. Using data on our Solar System.

Third Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Physical processes

2. Forces and motion
a, b, c, d, e, f, g & h

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Bar magnets - attraction and repulsion.
  2. Swinging magnets.
  3. Start/stop - friction.
  4. Force and changing shape.
  5. Balancing.
  6. The Earth's pull - weight and gravity.
  7. Machines to help lift against gravity.
Level 4
  1. Bar magnets - magnetic fields.
  2. Floating magnets.
  3. Making toys go.
  4. Using and making a push/pull meter.
  5. The upward pressure of water.
  6. The effects of friction - investigations.
  7. Centre of gravity.
Level 5
  1. Weak and strong magnets.
  2. Wind force - balloon rockets/go cart.
  3. Rubber band force.
  4. Stopping forces/stopping distances.
  5. Stretching/compressing springs.
  6. How to increase/reduce friction.
  7. Forces and acceleration.

Third Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Materials and their properties

1. Grouping and classifying materials
e

Study Units

Level 3

  1. The uses of solids, liquids and gases.
  2. Classify materials into solids, liquids and gases.
  3. Classifying rocks and soil.
Level 4
  1. Changes in state - maintenance of shape and volume.
  2. Similar size means similar volume.
  3. Characteristics of rock and soil.
Level 5
  1. Liquids have weight and volume.
  2. Weighing a gas.
  3. comparing rocks and soil from different localities.

Third Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

2. Humans as organisms
a, b, c, d, e, f, g & h

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Dental care - Colgate project.
  2. Dental care - Colgate project.
  3. Diet.
  4. Diet.
    either:
  5. Bones and muscles.
  6. The effects of exercise.
  7. The circulation of blood.
    or - P.S.E. (Sex education using B.B.C. videos.)
Level 4
  1. Dental care - Colgate project.
  2. Dental care - Colgate project.
  3. Circulation of the blood.
  4. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
    either:
  5. The main stages of the human life cycle.
  6. Diet.
  7. Diet.
    or - (P.S.E.)
Level 5
  1. Dental care - Colgate project.
  2. Dental care - Colgate project.
  3. The heart and circulation of the blood.
  4. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
    either:
  5. The main stages of the human life cycle.
  6. Diet.
  7. Diet.
    or - (P.S.E.)

Third Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

1. Life processes
a & b

Physical processes

3. Light and sound
d, e, f & g

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Commonality of life processes between humans and animals.
  2. Growth/support in human/animals.
  3. Life processes in plants - nutrition.
  4. Sound travels through materials.
  5. Sound travels through materials.
  6. Reflecting sound.
  7. Musical instruments.
Level 4
  1. Commonality of life processes showing variation between species.
  2. Comparing growth in plants of the same family.
  3. Comparing the nutritional needs of plants.
  4. Light enters our eyes - viewing box.
  5. How sound is produced in musical instruments.
  6. Making musical instruments.
  7. Recording sound.
Level 5
  1. Assessment on life processes.
  2. Growth in relation to nutrition and genetics.
  3. Growth in relation to hormones - experiment with plant growth.
  4. Sound production.
  5. Detecting frequency and pitch.
  6. Monitoring noise using the computer.
  7. Handling data based on monitoring.

Fourth Year - Term 1
Programme of Study

Physical processes

1. Electricity
a, b, c & d

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Lighting bulbs.
  2. Lighting two bulbs - circuit drawings.
  3. Make a torch using a simple switch.
  4. Making an electrical model using switches.
  5. Making an electrical model using switches. - show circuit drawings.
  6. Testing good and bad conductors.
  7. Different voltages and their dangers - electric kit.
Level 4
  1. Circuit drawings and diagrams.
  2. Switches - ways to make them.
  3. Making bulbs brighter or dimmer.
  4. Making an electrical model using switches and dimmers.
  5. Making an electrical model using switches and dimmers - show circuit diagrams.
  6. Electromagnets - how to make one.
  7. Creating movement from electricity.
Level 5
  1. Lighting bulbs using a diagram.
  2. Switches and buzzers.
  3. Connecting circuits.
  4. Wiring for a purpose.
  5. Wiring for a purpose.
  6. Using a motor in a circuit.
  7. Making an electrical model with a motor.

Fourth Year - Term 1
Programme of Study

Materials and their properties

3. Separating mixtures of materials
a, b, c, d & e

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Separating solid particles.
  2. Dissolving solids in solution.
  3. Changes which can/cannot be reversed.
  4. Solubility.
Level 4
  1. Separating particles using filtration.
  2. Evaporation to recover solids.
  3. Mixing materials causing them to change.
  4. Solubility and evaporation.
Level 5
  1. Separating soil types using past knowledge.
  2. Evaporation as a means of separation.
  3. Changes in materials.
  4. Distillation.

Fourth Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Materials and their properties

2. Changing materials
a, b, c, d, e & f

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Changes which can/cannot be reversed.
  2. Using a thermometer.
  3. Changes in temperature - melting and freezing.
  4. Changes in temperature - boiling, condensing and evaporating.
  5. Simple water cycle.
  6. Burning materials - man-made.
  7. Burning materials - natural.
Level 4
  1. Mixing materials causing them to change.
  2. Experiments with a thermometer.
  3. Mixing chemicals to give off heat.
  4. Changes in state for water.
  5. The water cycle.
  6. Changes in burned materials - man-made.
  7. Changes in burned materials - natural.
Level 5
  1. Changes in materials.
  2. Experiments with a thermometer.
  3. The effects of freezing on different substances.
  4. Changes in materials - experiments.
  5. Changes in materials - experiments.
  6. Devise a water cycle.
  7. Rusting and burning - the need for oxygen.

Fourth Year - Term 2
Programme of Study

Physical processes

2. Forces and motion
a, b, c, d, e, f, g & h

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Bar magnets - attraction and repulsion.
  2. Swinging magnets.
  3. Start/stop - friction.
  4. Force and changing shape.
  5. Balancing.
  6. The Earth's pull - weight and gravity.
  7. Machines to help lift against gravity.
Level 4
  1. Bar magnets - magnetic fields.
  2. Floating magnets.
  3. Making toys go.
  4. Using and making a push/pull meter.
  5. The upward pressure of water.
  6. The effects of friction - investigations.
  7. Centre of gravity.
Level 5
  1. Weak and strong magnets.
  2. Wind force - balloon rockets/go cart.
  3. Rubber band force.
  4. Stopping forces/stopping distances.
  5. Stretching/compressing springs.
  6. How to increase/reduce friction.
  7. Forces and acceleration.

Fourth Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

3. Green plants as organisms
a, b, c & d

4. Variation and classification
a

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Growing plants - what do they need?
  2. The effect of sunlight on plants.
  3. The effect of temperature on plants.
  4. The purpose of the root.
  5. The life cycle of plants.
  6. Simple plant classification.
  7. Seed dispersion.
Level 4
  1. Growing plants, trees and shrubs.
  2. The leaf - structure and uses.
  3. Experiment on the effect of temperature.
  4. Root systems of plants, trees and shrubs.
  5. The life cycle of plants and trees.
  6. Classifying plants around the school.
  7. Variety of seed dispersion.
Level 5
  1. Growing plants- circulation.
  2. Photosynthesis.
  3. Experiments on the effects of temperature and light.
  4. The growth hormone in [plants.
  5. Detailed study of the life cycle of a named plant.
  6. Using a plant classification book.
  7. Seed dispersion in a given habitat.

Fourth Year - Term 3
Programme of Study

Life processes and living things

5. Living things in their environment
a, b, c, d & e

Study Units

Level 3

  1. Improving the environment - school garden - litter.
  2. School garden - planting.
  3. School garden - habitat hunt.
  4. Food chains around the garden.
  5. River walk.
  6. Comparison of plants and animals.
  7. Seasonal changes and their effect on the environment studied.
Level 4
  1. Improving the environment - school garden - fertilisers.
  2. School garden - planting.
  3. School garden - creating a habitat.
  4. Food chains for the future.
  5. River walk.
  6. In depth study of a river plant.
  7. In depth study of a fish.
Level 5
  1. Improving the environment - school garden - compost.
  2. School garden - planting.
  3. School garden - creating a habitat.
  4. Maintaining a balance of food chains.
  5. River walk.
  6. Study of the river as an ecosystem.
  7. Study of the river as an ecosystem.

Return to the Welford and Wickham Schemes of Work Index.