Year 3 Science Curriculum UK
Year 3 Science covers rocks and soils (sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic, fossil formation), light and shadows (reflection, opaque/translucent/transparent), forces and magnets (magnetic poles, contact vs non-contact forces), and plant life cycles.
- Compare and group together different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties
- Describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock
- Recognise that they need light in order to see things and that dark is the absence of light
- Notice that magnetic forces can act at a distance and that magnets have two poles (North & South)
Curriculum Specification & Statutory Documents
Essential Formulas, Key Rules & Frameworks for Year 3 Science
Term-by-Term Units of Study & Learning Outcomes
Autumn Term: Rocks, Fossils & Soils
Rock Types & Physical Properties
Testing hardness, permeability, and density of granite, chalk, sandstone, marble, and slate.
- Classify rocks as sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic
- Test permeability by dropping water on rock surfaces
Fossil Formation & Soil Layers
How organisms are buried in sediment, mineralised over millions of years, and compressed into rock.
- Explain the step-by-step formation of an ammonite or bone fossil in sedimentary rock
Spring Term: Light, Reflections & Shadows
Light Sources & Reflection
Light travelling from sources to the eye; reflection on mirrors; why the Moon is not a light source.
- Explain that dark is the absence of light
- Demonstrate that mirrors reflect light rays
Shadow Formation
Shadows formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object; changing shadow size by moving closer/further.
- Explain why moving an object closer to a light source increases shadow size
Summer Term: Forces, Magnets & Plant Parts
Magnets, Friction & Magnetic Poles
Contact forces (friction) vs non-contact forces (magnetism); like poles repel (N-N, S-S), unlike poles attract (N-S).
- Predict whether two magnets will attract or repel based on their poles
- Test which everyday metals are magnetic (iron, steel)
Free Open-Source Learning Resources & Video Masterclasses
Handpicked curriculum resources aligned with UK Department for Education standards.