Starters for science

Starters for Science

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Animals, Biodiversity & Habitats, Energy, Forces, Light, Properties & Uses of Materials, Sound, States of Matter

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Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM

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5-7, 7-9, 9-12

A series of five-minute videos to get started with practical enquiry

Each video includes:

  • A question or scenario related to the real world
  • Time for children to think about what they already know
  • A demonstration of a starter practical activity
  • Time for children to think of their own questions
  • Ideas about what they could find out for themselves
  • Encouragement to share what they found with others

These videos are designed to get children doing some simple practical science enquiry. They are not age specific, nor directly aligned to any particular curriculum unit. They are intended to give children valuable practical experiences that they will then be able to draw on once they meet the relevant concepts in a more formal learning situation. Activities require minimal resources and can be used in school or at home.

Overview and supporting notes

These downloadable documents are designed to support use of the Starters for science videos.

The overview brings together key vocabulary, equipment lists and activity focuses, while the supporting notes provide brief explanations of the science involved and prompts to help guide discussion and practical enquiry.

image of page 1 of Starters for Science overview

Overview

Download
image of page 1 of Starters for Science supporting notes

Supporting notes

Download
image of page 1 of Starters for Science supporting notes in Welsh

Supporting notes in Welsh

Download

Videos

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Forces

Paper Towers

Explore and make different-shaped towers with Alex Farrer.

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Forces

Straw Planes

Take flight by building straw planes with Tom Jones.

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Properties & Uses of Materials, States of Matter

Paper Flowers

Investigate absorbency and paper with Vanessa Seehra.

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Energy, Light

Shadow Puppets

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Forces

Falling Paper

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Forces

Levers & Catapults

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Animals, Biodiversity & Habitats

Animal Camouflage

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Energy, Light

Mirrors & Light

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Properties & Uses of Materials, States of Matter

Melting Ice

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Forces

Paper Friction

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Forces

Pendulum Timers

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

Forces

Spinning Paper

Practical Science, Science Enquiry, STEM | 5-7, 7-9, 9-12

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.