Making Predictions
Learning to make simple predictions about what might happen in an investigation based on prior knowledge or observations.
Key Questions
- Explain what a prediction is in science.
- Make a prediction about the outcome of a simple test.
- Justify why your prediction might be correct or incorrect.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
Recording discoveries is about communicating scientific findings. Year 1 pupils learn to gather and record data to help in answering questions. This includes using simple charts, drawings, and tables. The National Curriculum emphasizes that pupils should be able to communicate their findings in various ways to different audiences.
This topic bridges science and literacy/maths. Students learn that a scientific drawing must be 'accurate' rather than just 'pretty'. They begin to use tally charts to count things (like the number of birds in the garden) and simple pictograms to show their results. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation when they try to 'read' each other's data.
Active Learning Ideas
Gallery Walk: Data Detectives
Students create simple pictograms of their favorite fruit or a recent experiment. They display them around the room, and others walk around to answer questions like 'Which was the most popular?' based only on the chart.
Inquiry Circle: The Tally Race
In small groups, students observe a 'busy' scene (like a video of a park or the school car park). They use tally marks to count different objects (dogs, cars, trees) and then compare their totals to see if they were accurate.
Think-Pair-Share: Drawing vs Photo
Show a photo of a leaf and a scientific drawing of the same leaf. Pairs discuss which one is better for showing the 'veins' or the 'shape' and why scientists might choose to draw instead of just taking a photo.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionStudents often think a scientific drawing should be a 'pretty' picture with lots of extra details.
What to Teach Instead
Explain that a scientific drawing should only show what is actually there. Using a 'blind drawing' exercise (drawing without looking at the paper) can help them focus on the actual lines and shapes of the specimen.
Common MisconceptionChildren may forget to include labels or titles.
What to Teach Instead
Ask a peer to look at their work and guess what it is. If the peer can't tell, the student realizes they need a label. This peer-feedback loop is much more effective than a teacher's correction.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways for Year 1s to record data?
How do I encourage 'accurate' drawing?
Can digital tools be used for recording in Year 1?
How can active learning help students understand recording discoveries?
Planning templates for Science
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in Working Scientifically
Asking Scientific Questions
Learning how to turn a curious thought into a scientific question that can be investigated.
2 methodologies
Conducting Simple Tests
Performing hands-on investigations safely and carefully, making observations.
2 methodologies
Recording Discoveries with Drawings
Using drawings and labelled diagrams to share what has been learned from observations.
2 methodologies
Recording Discoveries with Charts and Tables
Using simple charts and tables to organise and present findings from investigations.
2 methodologies
Communicating Findings
Discussing and sharing observations and findings with others.
2 methodologies