During Key Stage 1, children will be taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills via the investigations they undertake:

• ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways
• observe closely, using simple equipment
• perform simple tests
• identify and classify
• use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
• gather and record data to help answer questions

During Key Stage 1, children are encouraged to explore the world around them and formulate their own questions. Participation in a variety of scientific investigations helps to develop children’s confidence in scientific methodology.

The knowledge focus in Key Stage 1 is on the natural world, living things and materials. Children will learn to compare, make decisions about how to sort and group, observe changes over time and begin to notice patterns and relationships which they will discuss together.

When preparing for investigations, children will be encouraged to debate their ideas and ask questions. They will also use simple texts and other secondary sources to support their preparatory research.

During investigations, children will have varied opportunities to acquire and use scientific vocabulary, collect and record data, carry out simple test and use basic scientific equipment (e.g. hand lenses and timers), and present the outcomes of their investigations in different ways.