Year 4 Science Curriculum UK
Year 4 Science covers states of matter (solids, liquids, gases, evaporation, condensation, the water cycle), electricity (complete series circuits, bulbs, cells, switches, conductors, insulators), sound (vibrations, pitch, volume, acoustic insulation), and the human digestive system and teeth.
- Compare and group materials together, according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases
- Observe that some materials change state when heated or cooled, and measure or research the temperature at which this happens in degrees Celsius (°C)
- Identify the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle
- Identify common appliances that run on electricity and construct a simple series electrical circuit
- Describe the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system in humans
Curriculum Specification & Statutory Documents
Essential Formulas, Key Rules & Frameworks for Year 4 Science
Term-by-Term Units of Study & Learning Outcomes
Autumn Term: States of Matter & The Water Cycle
Solids, Liquids & Gases & Particle Arrangement
Properties of matter: shape, volume, compressibility; heating and cooling changes of state.
- Describe particle arrangements in solids, liquids, and gases
- Measure temperature in °C using thermometers
Evaporation, Condensation & The Water Cycle
Evaporation from water bodies, condensation forming clouds, precipitation (rain, snow), and collection.
- Explain evaporation and condensation in terms of temperature and water cycle stages
Spring Term: Electricity & Circuit Components
Series Circuits, Switches & Conductors
Constructing circuits with cells, wires, bulbs, buzzers, and switches; testing electrical conductors and insulators.
- Identify complete vs broken circuits
- Explain the role of a switch in opening and closing a circuit
Summer Term: Sound & The Human Digestive System
Sound Vibrations, Pitch & Volume
Sound produced by vibrations travelling through a medium to the ear; high vs low pitch; loud vs quiet sounds.
- Link pitch to vibration frequency and volume to vibration amplitude
Teeth & Human Digestion
Types of human teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, molars) and digestive journey: mouth → oesophagus → stomach → intestines.
- Identify functions of incisors, canines, and molars
- Trace food through the digestive tract
Free Open-Source Learning Resources & Video Masterclasses
Handpicked curriculum resources aligned with UK Department for Education standards.