Spring Term 1

Science

In Science this term, our topic is ‘Living things and their habitats.  In this topic, we will be using and creating our own classification keys.  We will be finding out about the scientist, Carl Linnaeus.  Also, we will be investigating microorganisms and using our investigative skills to see just how gross we can cultivate mould!

The National Curriculum states pupils should be taught to:

• describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including micro-organisms, plants and animals
• give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics

History

Our key question in History, is “Were the Vikings Really Vile?”. We will asking why the Viking civilisation has gained such a bad reputation and investigating whether this reputation is a fair one. We will be looking at the Viking invasion of Britain and investigating how Britain today has been influenced by the Vikings.

Computing

In Computing this term is ‘Variables in Games’. This unit explores the concept of variables in programming through games in Scratch. First, learners find out what variables are and relate them to real-world examples of values that can be set and changed. Then they use variables to create a simulation of a scoreboard. In Lessons 2, 3, and 5, which follow the Use-Modify-Create model, learners experiment with variables in an existing project, then modify them, before they create their own project. In Lesson 4, learners focus on design. Finally, in Lesson 6, learners apply their knowledge of variables and design to improve their games in Scratch.

Design & Technology

We will be focusing on Design and Technology this term and linking with our History unit of Vikings, we will research why the Vikings needed to build boats in the first place and why they were made in that well-known design and shape.  From this. the children will create a Success Criteria.  They will then design their own Viking style longship and evaluate against their own success criteria.