Our Year 1 science scheme of work and resources introduce pupils to key scientific ideas while developing confidence in observing, identifying, classifying and carrying out simple scientific enquiries. Linked to the Year 1 Science National Curriculum, the scheme develops scientific knowledge alongside the Working Scientifically skills pupils need throughout KS1.
In Year 1, pupils learn about Plants, Animals Including Humans, Everyday Materials and Seasonal Changes. They identify and classify common animals and plants, explore the human body and five senses, investigate the properties of everyday materials and observe how weather and the seasons change across the year.
Pupils 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, and gather and record data to help answer questions.
Explore science planning across Key Stage 1, with sequenced units designed to build scientific knowledge, vocabulary and Working Scientifically skills from Year 1 to Year 2.
Explore the KS1 science schemeScience in Year 1 introduces pupils to the living world, materials, the human body and changes they can observe around them. Pupils develop scientific vocabulary and knowledge through first-hand observation, classification, practical activities and simple investigations, providing the foundations for further science learning across KS1.
The Year 1 National Curriculum covers four main areas: Plants, Animals Including Humans, Everyday Materials and Seasonal Changes. In Scintillating Science, these are organised into five units, with Animals Including Humans taught through separate Common Animals and Human Body and Senses units so pupils have time to build and apply their knowledge.
Pupils observe and describe weather, learn about the four seasons and begin to recognise how weather and day length change across the year. They make and use a rain gauge, gather and record weather data and apply their learning by creating a weather report.
Pupils learn to distinguish between objects and the materials they are made from, identify common materials and describe their physical properties. They compare and group materials, investigate waterproofing and apply their knowledge when choosing materials for different purposes.
Animals Including Humans is developed across two units. Pupils identify and classify common animals, compare their structures and explore animals found in the local environment. They learn about herbivores, carnivores and omnivores before moving on to the human body, body parts and the five senses, with practical investigations exploring touch and hearing.
Pupils identify common garden and wild plants and learn to distinguish between deciduous and evergreen trees. They observe plants outdoors, gather and record information through a tree survey and identify and describe the basic structure of flowering plants and trees.
Scientific enquiry is built into the topics pupils are studying rather than taught separately. Pupils ask simple questions, observe closely, use simple equipment, identify and classify, carry out simple tests, gather and record data and use what they observe to suggest answers to questions.
Each unit is supported by sequenced lesson plans, teaching slides, worksheets, practical activities and opportunities for assessment. Teachers can follow the sequence as a complete Year 1 science scheme or use individual units and lessons alongside their existing curriculum.
Browse the Year 1 science units, lessons and resources → You can also explore our KS1 science scheme or the complete primary science scheme of work.
