Science

During Year 6 the children will be taught to and investigate the following topics:

Autumn – Light

  • understand that light appears to travel in straight lines
  • use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain that objects are seen because they give out or reflect light into
    the eye
  • explain that we see things because light travels from light sources to our eyes or from light sources to objects and then
    to our eyes
  • use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast
    them, and to predict the size of shadows when the position of the light source changes

Electricity

  • associate the brightness of a lamp or the volume of a buzzer with the number and voltage of cells used in the circuit
  • compare and give reasons for variations in how components function, including the brightness of bulbs, the loudness of
    buzzers and the on/off position of switches
  • use recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram

 

Spring – Evolution and Inheritance

  • recognise that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited
    the Earth millions of years ago
  • recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their
    parents
  • identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead
    to evolution

Summer – All Living Things

  • describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based
    on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals
  • give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics

Animals Including Humans

  • identify and name the main parts of the human circulatory system, and explain the functions of the heart, blood vessels
    and blood
  • recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function
  • describe the ways in which nutrients and water are transported within animals, including humans

 

Working Scientifically

Pupils will be taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills throughout the year

  • planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary
  • taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision
  • recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, and bar and line graphs
  • using test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests
  • using simple models to describe scientific ideas
  • reporting and presenting findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations
  • identifying scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments