Science Scheme of Work

Year 3
P of S Learning Objectives Current Topics QCA Units Steps topics
Sc1 Scientific Enquiry
Ideas and Evidence in Science
1a To know that science is about thinking creatively to try to explain how Growing Healthy 3a Teeth & Eating Humans Healthy
living and non-living things work, and to establish links between causes Life
and effects (e.g., Jenner’s vaccination work).
1b To know that it is important to test ideas using evidence from Celebrations 3f Light and Sun, Moon and
observation and measurement. Shadows Earth

Investigative Skills Victorians or Romans 3e Magnets and Springs and

Planning Springs Things
2a To ask questions that can be investigated scientifically and decide how Magnets
to find answers.
2b To consider what sources of information, including first-hand Food & Packaging 3c Characteristics Materials
experience and a range of other sources, they will use to answer of Materials
questions.
2c To think about what might happen or try things out when deciding what Northchurch 3b Helping Plants Plant Growth
to do, what kind of evidence to collect, and what equipment and grow well
materials to use.
2d To make a fair test or comparison by changing one factor and 4d Solids, Liquids Changing
observing or measuring the effect while keeping other factors the and how they can Materials
same. be separated.

Obtaining and Presenting Evidence

2e To use simple equipment and materials appropriately and take action to
control risks.
2f To make systematic observations and measurements, including the use
of ICT for datalogging.
2g To check for observations and measurements by repeating them where
appropriate.
2h To use a wide range of methods, including diagrams, tables, bar charts,
line graphs and ICT, to communicate data in an appropriate and
systematic manner.

Revised September 2006

 Science Scheme of Work
Year 3
Considering Evidence and Evaluating
2i To make comparisons and identify simple patterns or associations in
their own observations and measurements or other data
2j To use observations, measurements or other data to draw conclusions.
2k To decide whether these conclusions agree with any prediction made
and/or whether they enable further predictions to be made.
2l To use their scientific knowledge and understanding to explain
observations, measurements or other data or conclusions.
2m To review their work and the work of others and describe its
significance and limitations.

Revised September 2006

 Science Scheme of Work
Year 3

P of S Learning Objectives Possible Activities Resources

Sc2 Life Processes and Living Things
Life Processes
1a To know that the life processes common to humans and other animals Discuss life processes. Information books.
include nutrition, movement, growth and reproduction.
1b To know that the life processes common to plants include growth, Discuss.
nutrition and reproduction.

Humans and Other Animals

Nutrition
2a To know about the functions and care of teeth. Types of teeth. Tooth care. Internet. Posters.
2b To know about the need for food for activity and growth, and about Food groups. Information books. Food items.
the importance of an adequate and varied diet for health. Importance of water. Internet. Posters.

Green Plants
Growth and Nutrition
3a To know the effect of light, air, water and temperature on plant Investigations on plants – light, air, Small plants of the same variety.
growth. water, temperature.
3b To know the role of the leaf in producing new material for growth. Discuss. Information books.
3c To know that the root anchors the plant, and that water and minerals Dye in water – celery or carnation. Celery or carnations.
are taken in through the root and transported through the stem to Observe root system. Food colouring.
other parts of the plant. Plant with good root system.

Revised September 2006

 Science Scheme of Work
Year 3

P of S Learning Objectives Possible Activities Resources

Sc3 Materials and their Properties
Grouping and Classifying Materials
1a To compare everyday materials and objects on the basis of their Link with DT – Food and packaging. Food packaging
material properties, including hardness, strength

Changing Materials
2a To describe changes that occur when materials are mixed (e.g., adding Investigation into changes, e.g., salt in Materials for investigations.
salt to water) water.
2d To know about reversible changes, including dissolving, melting, boiling, Investigation: melting chocolate. Water
condensing, freezing and evaporating. to ice.
2f To know that non-reversible changes (e.g., vinegar reacting with Toast.
bicarbonate of soda, plaster of Paris with water) result in the Vinegar reacting with bicarbonate of
formation of new materials that may be useful. soda, plaster of Paris with water

Separating mixtures and materials

3a To know how separate solid particles of different sizes by sieving (e.g., Separate soil into using different sized Soil.
those in soil) sieves. Sieves of various sizes.
3b To know that some solids (e.g., salt, sugar) dissolve in water to give Investigation about dissolving certain Sugar, salt, chalk, sand, water.
solutions but some (e.g., chalk, sand) do not. materials.
3c To know how to separate solids from liquids by filtering. Investigation. Salt, filter paper.
3e To use knowledge of solids, liquids and gases to decide how mixtures Plan investigation.
might be separated.

Revised September 2006

 Science Scheme of Work
Year 3

P of S Learning Objectives Possible Activities Resources

Sc4 Physical Processes
Forces and Motion
Types of Force
2a To know about the forces of attraction and repulsion between Investigate magnets. Magnets.
magnets, and about the forces of attraction between magnets and North and South poles.
magnetic materials. Attraction and repulsion.
2b To know that objects are pulled downwards because of the Discuss and investigate gravitational
gravitational attraction between them and the Earth. pull to the Earth.
2e To know how to measure forces and identify the direction in which Investigations on direction of force
they act. and action of object.

Light and Sound

Everyday Effects of Light
3a To know that light travels from a source. Discuss light sources.
3b To know that light cannot pass through some materials, and how this Puppet theatre linked with DT.
leads to the formation of shadows.

The Earth and Beyond

Periodic changes
4b To know how the position of the Sun appears to change during the day, Shadows on the playground. Playground chalk.
and how shadows change as this happens.

Revised September 2006