Natural science (NAT01‑04)
Competence aims and assessment

This curriculum is no longer in force.

Examples of connections

Explanation

Competence aims after Year 4

The pupil is expected to be able to

  • query, ask questions, formulate hypotheses and

    To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     them to find answers

    Explanation of competence aims

    A hypothesis is an assumption or a possible explanation where research is used to confirm or disprove this.

  • To use means to apply something or to carry out a task to reach a goal. To use, which is closely related to apply, is understood as to utilise or to employ, for example, a method or a tool.

     tables and figures to structure data, make explanations based on data and

    To present means to show, explain and outline a topic or a product. The way of presenting may vary, but the goal of the presentation is to make the topic or product accessible to others. To present may also mean to illustrate and to demonstrate.

     findings

  • To compare means to examine the character or qualities to discover resemblances or differences between two or more issues.

     models with observations and talk about how we use models in natural science

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     technological systems that are composed of different parts and

    To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     how the parts function and work together

    Explanation of competence aims

    A technological system is developed to have a function. The system consists of parts that process, transport, store or control such resources as energy, materials and information.

  • design and make a product based on specifications

    Explanation of competence aims

    This competence aim can be interconnected with other competence aims.

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     and

    To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     how some substances can change when mixed with other substances

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     observable quantities, such as speed and temperature, and connect them to energy
  • talk about what energy is and

    To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     different energy chains

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     an area in nature and

    To discuss means to consider different ideas and opinions related to sides of an issue, and to argue for and against. A discussion can be ended with a conclusion. We can discuss independently and in dialogue with others. A debate among several persons on a subject can mean the same as to discuss.

     sustainable use of the area

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     and

    To compare means to examine the character or qualities to discover resemblances or differences between two or more issues.

     how different species of animals and plants adapt to environments and habitats and

    To discuss means to consider different ideas and opinions related to sides of an issue, and to argue for and against. A discussion can be ended with a conclusion. We can discuss independently and in dialogue with others. A debate among several persons on a subject can mean the same as to discuss.

     why some species become extinct
  • participate in harvesting and using natural resources and explain how natural resources can be used in a sustainable way
  • give examples of good animal welfare and

    To reflect means to examine and consider different aspects of your own and others’ actions, attitudes and ideas. We may also reflect on a subject, practical activities or our own learning. Reflection means testing out our own thoughts and attitudes to develop better insight and understanding.

     on how to look after the needs of animals

  • To explore refers to experiencing and experimenting, often encouraging curiosity and sense of wonder. To explore may mean to sense, seek, discover, observe and examine. In some cases, to explore means to investigate different aspects of an issue through open and critical discussion. To explore may also mean testing or trying out and evaluating work methods, products or equipment.

     and

    To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     the water cycle and

    To explain something means to give a well-grounded explanation of a subject, an issue or something we wish to examine or implement.

     why water is important for life on Earth
  • talk about physical and mental health and explain how lifestyles and well-being affect health
  • talk about the similarities and differences between the genders, about gender identity and about human reproduction

  • To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     how the muscles and skeleton function and relate this to movement

  • To describe means to portray or recount an experience, situation, work process or a topic. To describe something may also refer to using relevant terminology to systematise knowledge of a topic.

     functions in the body’s external defence mechanisms and talk about how these protect against disease

Formative assessment

Formative assessment shall help to promote learning and develop competence in the subject. The pupils demonstrate and develop competence in natural science in Years 3 and 4 when they use relevant natural-science terminology to describe and explain observations and natural-science phenomena. The pupils also develop natural science competence when they structure, compare and make their own natural-science questions and hypotheses, and when they explore these through play, practical work and other methods. They also demonstrate and develop competence when they reflect on findings and observations.

The teacher shall facilitate for pupil participation and stimulate their desire to learn by facilitating for varied, practical and exploratory ways of working in nature and in other learning arenas. The teacher and pupils shall engage in dialogue about their development in natural science. The pupils shall be given the opportunity to explore and experiment. With the competence the pupils have demonstrated as the starting point, they shall be given the opportunity to express what they believe they have achieved and what they believe they have improved on. The teacher shall provide guidance on further learning and adapt the teaching to enable the pupils to use the guidance to develop their competence in natural science.