Summer term 1: Plant Nutrition and Reproduction

In this science project, children revisit what plants need to grow, plant parts and their primary functions from the projects Plant Parts (Y1) and Plant Survival (Y2).

During the term we will focus in on the different parts of the plant that we already know to understand better how they do their job in helping to keep the plant alive. Through various experiments we will explore roots, stems, flowers and seeds.

We then look at how plants reproduce and the importance of pollinators and the different ways in which seeds are dispersed to create new plants.

Vocabulary

Anther                         pollinator                    seed dispersal

stamen                        stigma                         vessel

minerals                      function                       nutrients

dispersed                    primary roots               lateral roots

photosynthesis           transpiration                germination

pollination

Summer term 2: Light and Shadows

In this science project, we learn about and identify and classify light sources and reflectors. We also conduct a simple comparative test to identify reflective materials and look for patterns in their other properties, such as texture and colour, building on prior learning about properties of materials from the projects Uses of Materials (Y2) and Forces and Magnets (Y3). We revisit their knowledge about Sun safety from the project Seasonal Changes (Y1) and carry out a comparative test on different sun creams. 

Then we learn about shadows, including how they are created, their shape and how they change during the day. We will investigate changing the shape, size and direction of a shadow and look for patterns in their results. 

Vocabulary

artificial                natural                       Opaque                           ray

reflect                   translucent                transparent