Planting some apple ?

One of our superstars has planted some apple ? seeds to see if they grow #smithdownsci #smithdowneyfs

Making unicorn ? playdough today to develop fine motor skills…

Making unicorn ? playdough today to develop fine motor skills and see what happens when cornflour is mixed with hair conditioner #smithdowneyfs #smithdownsci

Exploring changes of state

Exploring changes of state through messy play. #smithdowneyfs #smithdownsci

We love incorporating baking into our Understanding the World lessons!

We love incorporating baking into our Understanding the World lessons! We watched how the cake mixture changed state after we added water. #smithdowneyfs #smithdownsci

Tasting different foods last week…

Tasting different foods last week as part of learning about our bodies- some were a bit sour! #smithdowneyfs #smithdownsci

Year 1 have been naming the body parts in science…

Year 1 have been naming the body parts in science this week. #smithdownscience @SmithdownPrimY1

Year 1 have had great fun labelling the body parts in science today…

Year 1 have had great fun labelling the body parts in science today. Well done! #smithdownscience @SmithdownPrimY1

Science activities for you today Year 1!

Lots of exciting science activities waiting for you today Year 1! #smithdownscience @SmithdownPrimY1

Labelling human body parts today with year 1

We’ve been having lots of fun labelling human body parts today #smithdownsci @SmithdownPrimY1

Thank you to all the families who came to our stay and learn session today

Thank you to all the families who came to our stay and learn session today.

We have been exploring different push and pull forces that require contact between two objects

We have been exploring different push and pull forces that require contact between two objects. Lots of toys and actions helped us understand these forces. Year 3 did a great job of organising the forces into our Venn diagram. #smithdownsci

We are looking at life cycles in science…

We are looking at life cycles in science, so now have 40 caterpillars that we are going to watch transform into butterflies. We have given them food, and are going to monitor them turn into chrysalises. #smithdownsci @MrsKellyx @MissGuy_

Kicking our electricity topic off in year 4

Kicking our electricity topic off in @SmithdownPrimY4 by thinking about what electrical appliances we have at home #smithdownsci

Great afternoon with 4KM back to doing what we love the most – investigating!

Great afternoon with 4KM back to doing what we love the most – investigating!! This time, circuits. They took up the challenge of making the light bulb light ? #smithdownsci @SmithdownPrimY4

4LA ~ Sorting mains and battery powered appliances today

4LA ~ Sorting mains and battery powered appliances today, then working scientifically to test our predictions about positions of components in a circuit @SmithdownPrimY4 #smithdownsci

4KM testing predictions about complete and incomplete circuits

4KM testing predictions about complete and incomplete circuits #smithdownsci @SmithdownPrimY4

Today we kicked off our topic and Curriculum project

Today we kicked off our topic and @Curriculum_USP project in @SmithdownPrimY2 by recapping what an animal is and learning about vertebrates/invertebrates @baronbedford @Edu_Meadows #smithdownsci

4LA hard at work exploring switches in circuits

4LA hard at work exploring switches in circuits #smithdownsci

3KMc exploring how opposite poles repel and like poles attract with magnets

3KMc exploring how opposite poles repel and like poles attract with magnets #smithdownsci @SmithdownPrimY3

Deep in conversation about animal offspring in matching mothers to young

Deep in conversation about animal offspring in matching mothers to young #smithdownsci @baronbedford @Edu_Meadows

We then focused on how animals mature by looking at some life cycles…

We then focused on how animals mature by looking at some life cycles. Mr. Ma let the Y5 caterpillars visit KS1 and just look at their faces. We identified some at pupa stage for some science in action #smithdownsci @baronbedford @Edu_Meadows

4KM exploring conductors & insulators this week

4KM exploring conductors & insulators this week @SmithdownPrimY4 #smithdownsci

4LA exploring conductors & insulators

4LA exploring conductors & insulators @SmithdownPrimY4 #smithdownsci

After learning about life cycles with Years 2 & 5

After learning about life cycles, @SmithdownPrimY5 kindly invited us to watch their butterfly release this afternoon. 4 classes of pure excitement ? #smithdownsci @SmithdownPrimY2

Lots of discussion with our connect retrieval task today matching features of different stages of development

Lots of discussion with our connect retrieval task today matching features of different stages of development. It was lovely to hear some of our fabulous new vocabulary being used independently #smithdownsci @SmithdownPrimY2 @baronbedford @Edu_Meadows

We investigated the question are the oldest children the tallest today

We investigated the question are the oldest children the tallest today in @SmithdownPrimY2 #smithdownsci

We have been learning all about animals in science today

Year 3 have explored the different rocks that make our school. We discussed the key characteristics of each rock.

Year 2 science

Year 2 have been sorting things into 3 categories – alive, dead and ever been alive. We had a lot of fun looking at some living things from the playground too!

Y2 Classification

Year 2 have been sorting items into Alive, Dead and Never been alive. We looked at the characteristics of Living Things by using MRS GREN.

Y2science

Year 2 have been sorting things into 3 categories-alive, dead and never been alive. We had a lot of fun looking at the things that were alive too!

RLMc visit Speke Hall

Yesterday RLMc had lots of fun visiting Speke Hall. We looked at the changes for Autumn and we even saw a sleeping giant! We visited the giants house, kitchen, music room and even his playground. It was lots of fun!

Bulb Planting in Crown Street Park!

Young Scientist Centre

5NA went to a solar system workshop at UCLAN. We did lots of investigations all about the solar system!

Year 1 had a visit from zoolab

Year 1 were very excited to have a visit from lots of animals today!

year 1 Zoolab visit

Year 1 had a visit form lots of animals today to celebrate our learning in science.

Super Science lesson explore our human skeleton and the bones that we have.

The History of Telling The Time for Science Week

We combined science with history with our TIME topic and looked at how tools to tell the time have changed over the years. We created a timeline of discoveries and measured out our own sundials with our protractors.

Exploring Light

3KM have been working scientifically by exploring the question ‘do we need light to see things?’

The children had 5 boxes with a different item in each. They had to peer through the hole in the box and make a predication on what the object could be. When more light was added to the box, some objects could be seen a lot easier than others.

4KM had a great morning working with the Hope university students learning about light and sound??!!

Heart rate investigations in Y6 Science.

As part of our ‘Circulatory Unit’ in Science, we devised our own investigations (in small groups) to find out about the effect of exercise on our heart rate. Some groups changed the exercise carried out, some changed the number of repetitions and some changed the time set. All results were recorded and are to be discussed in order to draw our conclusions.

Reflective materials

Year 3 made predictions of what materials they thought would be the most reflective and the least reflective. They then tested that and checked to see how much light was reflected off each one. We spoke about material characteristics and why they absorbed or reflected some or a lot of the light.

Cyanotype Art

Year 3 used a very old way of producing photographs without a camera. We used light sensitive paper to create a cyanotype capture. The children created their designs using natural resources found around schools – similar to Anna Atkins.

Year 1 have been on a nature hunt

For our first lesson about plants we have been on the playground to look for plants, seeds and animal evidence.

Shadows!

Year 3 had a great afternoon exploring shadows. Thankfully we got a lovely sunny day to complete this lesson. We drew our shadows and after some time we returned outside and noticed how the position of the sun meant our shadows had moved.

Spider hunting in the sunshine ?️?

We have been learning about spiders this week and have been looking at similarities and differences.

University Trip

We had a fantastic day at the University of Liverpool on Friday. We took part in workshops related to Maths and Science…. including sitting in mini Planetarium!

Flowering plants

Year 3 explored the different parts of a flowering plant. We found out that there are male and female parts and that bees and other insects help move pollen from flower to flower.

5EHD science

Testing air resistance using parachutes.

Water transportation!

We used celery to investigate how xylems transport water and nutrients to the rest of the plant. Watch this space and see what we find out!

What will happen?

Year 3 had an exciting afternoon learning about how water is transported around pants. We completed an experiment with a celery stick and food colouring. We made a prediction about what might happen to the celery. Come back next week to see the results.

5EHD Investigating water resistance

Year 1 have been having fun labelling our body parts in science

Year 3 Science forces

We looked at different forces in science and were able to organise them into a push and pull Venn diagram.

Science Investigation in Y6

As part of our Evolution and Inheritance unit, we designed and carried out an investigation into the different beak sizes and shapes of birds. After learning about Charles Darwin and his study of finches, we carried out our own investigation: How does the size and shape of beak affect their diet? How can they thrive in the habitat in which they live?

Friction!

We used a car and a ramp to create a fair test for friction. We found out that plastic is smooth so has a low amount of friction and sandpaper is rough and bumpy so has a high amount of friction.

Friction Experiment

Year 3 have been exploring the force friction by testing the distance cars travel on different surfaces. We discovered that the surface carpet had high friction but plastic had low friction.

Y4 String telephones

As part of their sound topic, Y4 have been investigating which mediums sound travels through. We did this by experimenting with string telephones. We had so much fun talking to our friends on our telephones but only some of them passed the message through!

Making a Water Filter

Charles Darwin

In Science, Year 6 have been learning about Charles Darwin as part of their ‘Evolution and Inheritance’ unit. Look at this incredible writing they have produced!

Sorting and Classifying

This week, we worked scientifically by sorting and classifying different types of rocks. We explored the rocks and discussed their characteristics. The children came up with great words such as ‘rough’ ‘bumpy’ ‘smooth’ ‘sharp’

NRGenius’s

Year 3 had a great workshop this afternoon on how to save energy and how to be NRGenius’s. They had to create a powerful image representing why we use fossil fuels. We learnt all about renewable energy and how these are better for our environment. We ended the session by making a pledge to try our best to save energy.

NRGenius’s

Year 3 had lots of fun learning about and talking through different ways we could save money by saving electricity. We learnt the benefits of turning off things we aren’t using and saving money by doing this. We had to create powerful images to show the importance of fossil fuels and why we need them. We then wrote our own pledge On how we will try to save money, well done Genius’s!!!

NRG workshop

Year 4 have learnt lots today about saving energy and money with Dr Watts and Dr Sparks.

NRG! Our power pledges.

Last week we had a visit from NRG to tell us all about our use of electricity and what we can do to help. We have signed a pledge to use less electricity and water to help with waste of non-renewable energy.

Pattern seeking – science

In science today we put our ideas to the test. we either chose to either investigate if children with the longest femur could jump the highest or if the tallest children could jump the highest. We completed the post it challenge and made sure our investigation was fair. 

Rocks!

We have been studying rocks and today we tested the how hard wearing sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous are, along with their permeability and how they react to acids.

Does our arm span increase as we grow older?

We took measurements of children from reception all the way to our eldest staff member! We then created a scatter graph of our results.

We have been working out how to rescue the animals from the ice. “we need a hammer to hit it” “we need to melt it” were some suggestions.

We have been exploring the ice today and thinking of different ways to help it melt. Some suggestions were “put it in the sunshine” “put hot water on it” it was lots of fun and we learnt lots of new vocab rescuing the animals and describing the ice.

How our solar system moves!

Today we tried to recreate the direction and movement of our solar system. We discussed how this is not to scale but wanted to show what we had learnt about ‘Earth and Space’ so far. Please ask us questions about the solar system!

Blue Planet! The BEST day!

We absolutely loved Blue Planet!

Earth and space

This week in science we have been looking at night and day. We have been learning about the rotation of Earth and how this creates daylight and nighttime.

Our bones

We looked at our bones that help us move about, support our body and protect our organs.

Y4 Eggsperiment

Y4 have been busy learning all about human and animal teeth this half term. We decided to investigate the effect different drinks had on our teeth. We discovered some shocking conclusions!

Y3 Funny Bones

Y3 have been busy labelling bones in the humans body. Steve the skeleton joined us for our lesson this week and taught us some names of bones in the human body.

Nutrition researchers

Y3 have been exploring nutrition facts from a range of food packaging. We identified the food groups we had learned about and compared measurements of salt and sugar in some foods.

Sunflowers

We were very lucky last week to have some visitors in our class talking to us about keeping our environment healthy and how to look after plants. We all planted our very own sunflower seeds to take home.

Do taller children jump further?

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Y3 have been investigating do taller children jump further this afternoon. We took our lesson outside and measured heights and distance travelled. We concluded that generally this is true but some shorter children were able to jump just as far!

Sustainability Project LJMU

Y3 & 4 were lucky enough to work with students from LJMU to learn about sustainability.. We made bracelets out of plastic bags. 

The Digestive System

Today Y4 explored the process of digestion by replicating their own model. It was a messy activity and we learned so much!

Year 3 Science With Ms Siddiqui

We are learning about our skeletons and muscles. They help to support and protect our bodies. They also help us to move.

Phases of the moon

We had a wonderful afternoon showing (and eating) the different phases of the moon. First the children represented this with the ball (moon) and the torch (sun) to find the phases. Then we used biscuits to recreate this. Please ask us about the different phases, can you spot the moon at home?

Food Chains

Y4 have been exploring food chains this afternoon to build on their knowledge of animals and living things.

Y3 Sustainability Project with Metal

Y3 have been busy making their own paper out of pulp this morning with our visitors from Metal.

How do shadows change throughout the day?

Today we tracked and measured the length of one shadow throughout the day. We noticed that our shadow was as its shorted midday and that it moved as the sun appeared to move. We explained in our books that it is the Earth spinning on its axis that creates the different times of day.

Heart Art

To accompany our learning about the circulatory system and the heart, we have produced some of our own artwork and posters linked to the topic.

Scientist Study – Alexander Miles

To begin our British Science Week activities, year 3 researched a new scientist. We discovered that Alexander Miles invented automatic elevator door in 1887. We completed a research activity on the IPads and created our own art piece of Alexander using art skills of continuing the picture and shading.

Planting Sunflower Seeds

We have had a great time beginning our topic of Growth by planting sunflower seeds. We will observe the changes to the seeds over the next few weeks. We are also celebrating Science Week at school this week.

Errol’s Garden

This week our focused story in literacy is Errol’s Garden. If you would like to share it at home, here is a link to the book.

Science Week

This week we are celebrating Science Week at school. Reception are learning about a scientist called Sarah Boone who helped to create the modern day ironing board.

Biscuit Experiment

As part of Science Week we did an experiment about which biscuit is the best for dipping! We have used a variety of biscuits to dip into milk, water and oil. We looked to see which liquid was the best to use. Thank you Mrs Kelly for giving us great ideas for a fun afternoon!

Planting Outdoors

This week we have planted sunflower seeds, made scented play dough using lavender, rosemary and mint and planted vegetables, daffodils and herbs. We will be watching the changes to the seeds as they grow.

Y3 Dunking Biscuits ~ Science Week

This afternoon, for British Science Week 2025, 3KMc investigated which biscuit was the best dunker. We were so shocked that the strongest biscuit was a rich tea! We thought bourbons would be the strongest as they were thicker. The rich tea dunked over 50 times without breaking!!

Y3 Sustainability Project with Metal

Y3 have been busy upcycling their fashion items ready for their fashion show for parents. We have learned all about recycling and sustainability over the last few weeks which has inspired us to carry on out of school. Thank you metal!

Y4 Food Chains

Y4 have been busy exploring food chains in the environment. They have learned about the words consumer, producer and predator whilst recapping the process of photosynthesis.

Y3 Light & Shadows

Both Y3 classes took to the playground to explore shadows in real action. We drew around each others shadows with chalk. We observed that our shadows are attached to us!

Y3 Sustainability Game

This morning we have been supporting Laura from Metal  with a new card game all about sustainability. We were lucky enough to be the first school to trial the game and learned a lot about symbols and ways to upcylce and compost. Thank you Laura!

A new scientist to learn about for Y6

As part of our Science Week work, Year 6 learnt about Ibn Al-Haytham, the man credited with inventing the pinhole camera. As our Lowry portraits were so good, we couldn’t resist applying our artistic skills to this wonderful scientist too.

Creating craters

We have planned out our experiments in order to see how we can measure craters and what affects the result. We had a create time changing variables and recording our average in order to make it a fair test.

Science Week: Biscuit Investigation

Year 6 investigated how long it took a range of biscuits to dissolve in warm liquid and presented findings using graph software.

Science week

To celebrate science week, reception read The Gingerbread Man and talked about what might happen if the gingerbread man fell into the water. We decided to see what would happen if we dunked biscuits into milk, oil and water.

Science week

Last week we had a wonderful time with our biscuit investigation. Our question to investigate ‘Does the thickness of a biscuit affect it’s breaking dunk time?’

Light and Reflection

Today, we investigated which objects were good reflectors of light and which objects weren’t good reflectors of light. We discovered that objects with shiny, smooth surfaces were better at reflecting light than objects with dull, rough surfaces.

Blue Planet 2TD

A wonderful science filled day at Blue Planet

Ruth Wakefield – science week

For science week, we researched Ruth Wakefield. We learnt all about the temperatures needed and the variables that she changed. We then had a lesson in cookie making with our wonderful cook Monica and decorated the cookies with her face.

Here we are finding the baby spring animals to match to their mothers. We learnt new animal names and discussed the animal features.

Science investigations planned and carried out

We planned and carried out our own investigations in groups today about the effects of exercise on our heart beats.

2GH Martin Mere

We have had a lovely day at Martin Mere today.
we helped Ava find out which way she had to migrate, went on a treasure hunt, explored the wetlands and enjoyed the play area too!

Science Investigation completed

Investigation: How do different types of exercise affect our heart rate?
Activity completed. Results recorded. Now it’s time to interpret and devise a conclusion.

We have been looking at signs of spring and have been learning the different parts of the daffodils.