St Pius X Catholic Primary School

'Restore all things in Christ'

01229 828406

admin@st-piusx.cumbria.sch.uk

Schneider Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 4AA

Year 4

Autumn 2023

In autumn, we explored 'Living things and their habitats' and 'Conservation'. 

We began by looking at a range of living things and grouping them in a variety of ways. We then used a classification key to help group, identify and name a range of living things. After that, we studied conservation where they learned how to recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things.

Summer 2023

During the summer term, we researched the digestive system and constructed food chains. We identified and described the function of the basic parts of the digestive system, including the different types of teeth. We then identified producers, predators and prey, and constructed a variety of food chains.

After that, we learnt about 'States of Matter'. We grouped and compared materials based on whether they are solids, liquids or gases. We observed that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled. We also identified the part played by evaporation and condensation in the Water Cycle. We used our computing skills to create simple GIFs describing and explaining the Water Cycle.

Spring 2023

This term, we have been exploring electricity. The children were able to identify a variety of electrical appliances from around the home and in school. They also identified which appliances ran on battery power or the elctrical mains.

Year 4 successfully built a simple series circuit using a cell, two wires and a bulb. They then replaced the bulb for a motor and a buzzer, and were able to include a switch. They also tested different materials to invesigate insulators and conductors.

Autumn 2022

During the autumn term, year 4 have been investigating Living Things. We have found out that all living things can be grouped, classified, in different ways according to their similarities and differences. We created simple classification keys on our iPads to demonstarte this. 

We also explored the different habitats that living things live in and how they have adapted to their environment. We researched how environments can change, naturally or by humans. We also recognised how environments change with the seasons.

Summer 2022

In the summer term, year 4 studied 'States of Matter' and 'Sound'. 

States of Matter - they identified and grouped materials according to whether they were a solid, liquid or gas. They also observed that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled. They also researched the 'water cycle' and identified the role evaporation and condensation played.

Sound - we explored how sound is made; recognised how vibration travelled; found patterns between pitch, volume and distance.

Spring 2022

Throughout the spring term, year 4 identified the types and functions of teeth; the name and functions of the digestive system, and understood food chains.

They also studied different habitats; classified animals; identified vertebrate, invertebrate, cold blooded and warm blooded animals.

Autumn 2021

During the autumn term, year 4 explored 'Electricity'. We discovered the different ways electricity is generated and we were able to identify electrical appliances and the types of electricty they use. We also played an online game from switchedonkids.org.uk to learn about electrical safety in your home.

We constructed simple complete and incomplete circuits using different electrical components. We sorted materials into electrical conductors and insulators. We also investigated how a switch works and why they are needed. What a bunch of 'Bright Sparks!'

Summer 2021

During the summer term, we explored 'States of Matter'. We were able to identify and sort solids, liquids and gases. We investigated how some materials change state when they are heated and cooled, and we were able to measure the temperature in degrees Celsius. We learnt about the water cycle and the role condensation and evaporation played within it.

Spring 2021

During the spring term we were in lockdown, again! Most children were isolating at home but this didn't stop our super science learning! We were able to describe the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system, and we were able to identify the different teeth humans and animals have and their simple functions.

Autumn 2 2020

In Autumn 2, we identified how sound is made and how sound travels by creating our own telephones! We conducted a sound survey around the school and recorded our results using our iPads. We also found patterns between the pitch and volume of sound and its effect on the vibrations and sound waves. 

Autumn 1 2020

During Autumn 1, we explored electricity. We identified common appliances that run on electricity and compiled a presentation in computing. We constructed simple electrical circuits and included a switch. We also recognised some common conductors and insulators of electricity, and we loved talking about static electricity!