Year 1 Science Curriculum UK
Year 1 Science introduces working scientifically through hands-on observation of plants, identifying common animals (carnivores, herbivores, omnivores), distinguishing everyday materials and their physical properties, and tracking the four seasons.
- Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees
- Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
- Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made (wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, rock)
- Observe changes across the four seasons and describe weather associated with each season
Curriculum Specification & Statutory Documents
Essential Formulas, Key Rules & Frameworks for Year 1 Science
Term-by-Term Units of Study & Learning Outcomes
Autumn Term: Seasonal Changes & Everyday Materials
The Four Seasons & Weather Patterns
Observing day length changes, autumn leaf colors, temperature drops, and recording daily weather.
- Name the 4 seasons in order: Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer
- Describe weather associated with winter and summer
Everyday Materials & Physical Properties
Sorting items by material: wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, rock; testing for hardness, flexibility, and transparency.
- Distinguish an object from the material it is made of
- Describe properties: hard, soft, bendy, rough, smooth, waterproof
Spring Term: Animals Including Humans
Animal Groups & Diets
Classifying mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish; understanding carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.
- Identify common animals and categorize their diets (carnivore, herbivore, omnivore)
- Name and label basic parts of the human body (head, neck, arms, elbows, legs)
Summer Term: Plants & Deciduous vs Evergreen Trees
Plant Structure & Trees
Identifying roots, stem, leaves, and flowers; comparing deciduous trees (lose leaves in autumn) and evergreen trees (keep green leaves all year).
- Name parts of a flowering plant: petals, stem, leaves, roots
- Identify common garden weeds and flowers: daisy, dandelion, rose
Free Open-Source Learning Resources & Video Masterclasses
Handpicked curriculum resources aligned with UK Department for Education standards.