Into the Classroom | Junior School Science Week
Mr Samuel Snape
Year 4 Teacher
Inquiry and Gifted and Talented Lead
The Science Week was undoubtedly one of the most exciting events of Junior School every year. The theme of the week, "How My Body Works" built on the pupils' inquiry learning units and provided them with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their knowledge of the human body in a fun and interactive way. In doing so, pupils showed a progression of understanding about how our body works, from identifying simple body parts to exploring human evolution over time and questioning future human body adaptation.
During the week, pupils from year 2 to year 6 took part in a range of activities, workshops and experiments related to the human body.
Year 2
Year 2 looked at simple body parts, such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. They learned about the functions of each body part and how they work together to help us see, hear, smell and taste.
Year 3
Year 3 learned about the different types of bones and muscles and how they work together to help us move and support our body. They also learned about the importance of exercise and a healthy diet for maintaining strong bones and muscles.
Year 4
Year 4 delved into the digestive system. They gained a deeper appreciation of how the differing parts of the digestive system work together to power the body. They also investigated the importance of a healthy diet and the role that different foods play in keeping our digestive system healthy.
Year 5
Year 5 took a detailed look at the respiratory and cardiovascular system. They learned about the organs involved in breathing, such as the lungs and diaphragm, and how oxygen is transported around the body by the cardiovascular system. They also discussed the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle for maintaining a healthy respiratory and cardiovascular system.
Year 6
Finally, Year 6 questioned human evolution over time and pondered future human adaptation. They learned about the different stages of human evolution, from early hominids to modern humans, and how our bodies have adapted over time. They also consider how our bodies might continue to adapt in the future, for example, due to changes in the environment or advances in technology.
Overall, the benefits of pupils exploring ‘How My Body Works’ during the Junior School Science Week are numerous. Pupils develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their own bodies and how they work. They also develop important scientific skills, such as observation, investigation, and analysis. Most importantly, this active learning helps foster a love for science and an interest in exploring the wider world through a scientific lens.