United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 6 Science
A comprehensive science curriculum focused on developing critical thinking through biology, physics, and chemistry. Students investigate the complexity of living organisms, the mechanics of light and electricity, and the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
01The Pulse of Life: Human Body Systems
An investigation into the circulatory system and the impact of lifestyle choices on physical health.
Investigating the heart's role as a pump and the path of blood through the body.
Tracing the journey of oxygen and nutrients carried by blood to different body parts.
Exploring how physical activity impacts heart rate and overall cardiovascular health.
Examining the effects of diet, alcohol, and drugs on the human body's systems.
Understanding the basic process of how digested nutrients move from the small intestine into the bloodstream and are carried around the body.
Investigating the role of water in transporting waste products and maintaining hydration.
Exploring the mechanics of breathing and the exchange of gases in the lungs.
Investigating the structure and function of bones and joints in the human body.
Exploring how muscles contract and relax to produce movement.
Understanding how the brain and nerves control body functions and process sensory information.
02Classifying the Living World
Exploring the Linnaean system and the characteristics used to group animals, plants, and microorganisms.
Understanding the need for classification and exploring simple grouping methods.
Learning about Carl Linnaeus and the hierarchical structure of his classification system.
Discovering the existence and diversity of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
Investigating the positive roles of microorganisms in food production, medicine, and ecosystems.
Exploring the characteristics of vertebrates and their major groups (mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles).
Investigating the diverse world of invertebrates, including insects, arachnids, and molluscs.
Classifying plants based on observable features like flowers, leaves, and stems.
Exploring different types of habitats and the specific conditions that support various living things.
03Evolution and Inheritance
Studying how living things have changed over time and how traits are passed through generations.
Distinguishing between characteristics passed down from parents and those acquired through experience.
Recognizing that offspring are not identical to their parents and exploring sources of variation.
Identifying how animals and plants develop features suited to their specific environments.
Exploring how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment and how these adaptations can change over long periods.
Using fossils to understand that living things have changed over time and to learn about ancient life.
Investigating the evidence that links modern birds to ancient dinosaurs.
An introduction to the concept of human evolution and our place in the animal kingdom.
04Light and Sight
Exploring how light travels, reflects, and enables us to perceive the world.
Conducting experiments to demonstrate that light travels in straight lines.
Investigating how the position of a light source affects the size and shape of shadows.
Exploring how light reflects off different surfaces and the law of reflection.
Designing and constructing a periscope to understand how mirrors manipulate light.
Understanding the basic anatomy of the eye and how it gathers light.
Investigating how our eyes perceive different colors and adapt to varying light intensities.
05The Power of Circuits
Deepening understanding of electrical circuits, components, and the flow of energy.
Investigating how the number of cells affects the brightness of bulbs in a series circuit.
Comparing series and parallel circuits and their effects on components.
Learning and using recognized symbols to draw and interpret circuit diagrams.
Applying knowledge of symbols to design and build simple series circuits with multiple components.
Testing various materials to identify electrical conductors and insulators.
Investigating how the length and material of a wire affect electrical resistance.
Understanding how switches work to open and close circuits, controlling the flow of electricity.
06Working Scientifically: The Grand Investigation
Applying all scientific skills to plan, execute, and report on a student-led inquiry.
Learning to refine broad questions into specific, testable hypotheses for investigation.
Identifying independent, dependent, and controlled variables in an experiment.
Planning an investigation to ensure fair testing and reliable results.
Practicing using scientific equipment to take precise and repeatable measurements.
Organizing and presenting data effectively using tables, charts, and graphs.
Interpreting data, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
Reflecting on the investigation process, identifying limitations, and suggesting improvements to ensure fair testing and accurate results.
Students choose a scientific question, identify variables, and design a detailed experimental plan.
Students conduct their planned experiments, collecting data accurately and systematically.