At the end of Key Stage 2, children are expected to demonstrate a robust foundational understanding of key scientific concepts as outlined in the UK National Curriculum. This knowledge encompasses various domains of science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. The curriculum encourages students to explore, investigate, and articulate their findings effectively.
Children should be able to identify and describe the characteristics of living things, including animals and plants. They are expected to:
Understand the classification of living organisms: This includes the identification of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, as well as understanding the basic needs of animals and plants for survival.
Investigate life cycles: Pupils should learn about the life cycles of various organisms, including plants and animals, and understand concepts like reproduction and growth.
Students should exhibit an understanding of simple ecosystems and the interdependence of organisms. They should:
Recognize food chains: Pupils should be able to illustrate food chains and describe the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem.
Explore habitats: Children should understand the different types of habitats and how living organisms adapt to their environments.
Children are expected to develop knowledge about the physical properties of materials which include solids, liquids, and gases. They should be able to:
Identify materials: Recognise different materials and describe their uses based on properties like hardness, solubility, and conductivity.
Understand changes of state: Pupils should describe changes that occur when materials are heated or cooled, and understand concepts like melting and evaporation.
Students should not only identify common chemical reactions, such as rusting and burning but also understand that new substances are formed during these reactions.
Children must gain an understanding of physical forces and motion. They are expected to:
Identify forces: Recognise and describe different forces, including gravity, magnetism, and friction.
Explore movement: Students should understand how forces can affect the movement of objects, including concepts like speed, direction, and friction.
Pupils are also expected to explore light and sound. This includes:
Understanding light: Recognising how light travels, the concept of reflection, and how shadows are formed.
Exploring sound: Understanding how sound is produced and travels through different media, as well as describing pitch and volume.
Students are expected to develop an understanding of earth's place in the solar system. This includes:
Understanding the solar system: Identifying the sun, planets, and their movements around the sun.
Exploring day and night: Recognising how the rotation of the Earth causes day and night, as well as understanding seasonal changes.
At the end of Key Stage 2, pupils should also possess competencies in scientific inquiry. They should be able to:
Conduct experiments: Formulate questions, design experiments, and use appropriate equipment to gather data.
Analyse results: Evaluate and interpret data, understand the importance of fair testing, and communicate their conclusions effectively.
By the end of Key Stage 2, children are expected to have an integrated understanding of foundational scientific principles across various domains. They should be equipped not only with knowledge but also with skills that foster curiosity and an ongoing interest in the sciences, empowering them for further studies in Key Stage 3 and beyond.