Natural science (NAT01‑05)
Competence aims and assessment

Not in force for 4. trinn and 5. trinn until 1.8.2026

This version of the curriculum is not in force for 4. trinn and 5. trinn until 1.8.2026. Until 1.8.2026 the previous curriculum version is 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 explore them to find answers
  • use tables and figures to structure data, make explanations based on data and present findings
  • compare models with observations and talk about how we use models in natural science
  • explore technological systems that are composed of different parts and describe how the parts function and work together
  • design and make a product based on specifications
  • explore and describe how some substances can change when mixed with other substances
  • explore observable quantities, such as speed and temperature, and connect them to energy
  • talk about what energy is and explore different energy chains
  • explore an area in nature and discuss sustainable use of the area
  • explore and compare how different species of animals and plants adapt to environments and habitats and 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 reflect on how to look after the needs of animals
  • explore and describe the water cycle and explain 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
  • describe how the muscles and skeleton function and relate this to movement
  • describe 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.