image of multiple science dice that helps to build science knowledge and practice vocabulary

Science Dice

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Animals, Biodiversity & Habitats, Climate Science, Electricity, Energy, Evolution & Inheritance, Forces, Light, Plants, Properties & Uses of Materials, Rocks, Fossils and Soils, Seasonal Change, Sound, Space, States of Matter

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3-5, 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

A hands-on resource for retrieving science vocabulary and using it with understanding

In the guidance report, Improving Primary Science (EEF, 2023), the first of the six recommendations highlights the importance of developing children’s scientific vocabulary so they can use it with understanding and participate effectively in science.

Science Dice provide an engaging hands-on approach to supporting children to recall science-specific vocabulary and to apply it in their science learning. The resource consists of sets of topic-related, age-appropriate scientific words that are designed to be used with 12cm sided foam dice with clear window pockets. Each vocabulary set consists of an A4 page of six words which, when cut into separate cards, can be inserted into the pockets on one dice.

What does Science Dice include?

Vocabulary card sets for different science topics with sets organised into age groups as below:

  • Early years (3-5)
  • Lower Primary (5-7)
  • Middle Primary (7-9)
  • Upper Primary (9-12)

Sets of foam dice are available from TTS-group. Visit TTS to purchase.

A teacher guide giving a range of suggestions about how to use the dice in the classroom.

Download the teacher guide
an image of the educational resource called Science Dice with vocabulary cards to put in the sleeves

Science Dice vocabulary sets

a close image of a bee on a flower with pollen on both

Plants

Middle Primary (7-9)

Science Dice Cards
lush vegetation

Plants

Upper Primary (9-12)

Science Dice Cards
a large rock outside formation with blue skies above

Rocks, Fossils and Soils

Lower Primary (5-7)

Science Dice Cards
an image of fossilised organisms

Rocks, Fossils and Soils

Middle Primary (7-9)

Science Dice Cards
an close image displaying porous rock

Rocks, Fossils and Soils

Upper Primary (9-12)

Science Dice Cards
a colourful kite flying in the sky

Seasonal Change

Early Years (3-5)

Science Dice Cards
an autumn view with fallen yellow leaves on the ground and path

Seasonal Change

Lower Primary (5-7)

Science Dice Cards
an image of eight planets linear from the sun

Space

Middle Primary (7-9)

Science Dice Cards
an image of a telescope pointed at a vast purple night sky with stars and clouds in the distance

Space

Upper Primary (9-12)

Science Dice Cards
a child placing her finger to her mouth to symbolise the need to be quiet

Sound

Lower Primary (5-7)

Science Dice Cards
a group drumming

Sound

Middle Primary (7-9)

Science Dice Cards
pink and purple radio waves on a black background

Sound

Upper Primary (9-12)

Science Dice Cards

Safety Notice & Disclaimer

PSTT advises teachers to refer to either the CLEAPSS website or SSERC website for up to date health and safety information when planning practical activities for children.

PSTT is not liable for the actions or activities of any reader or anyone else who uses the information in these resource pages or the associated classroom materials. PSTT assumes no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information contained in these resources. PSTT recommends that a full risk assessment is carried out before undertaking in the classroom any of the practical investigations contained in the resources.

All materials are ©Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) and are freely available to download and share for educational purposes. Whilst educators are free to adapt the resources to suit their own needs, acknowledgement of copyright on all original materials must be included. Rights to images included in the resource have been purchased for PSTT use only – as such, these images may only be used as part of this resource and may not copied into or used in other materials.