Engaging Summer Science Activities for EYFS to KS3

Summer is the perfect time for you to take learning beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors. Science, focusing on exploration and discovery, is particularly well-suited for outdoor activities that can captivate students' imaginations. Here are some exciting science activities for EYFS to KS3 that align with curriculum learning outcomes.

EYFS

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

• Learning Outcome: Understanding the world
• Activity: Take your class on a nature walk and have a scavenger hunt. Provide a checklist of items for the children to find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers and insects. Discuss the different features and functions of each item.
• Curriculum Link: Encourages children to explore and observe their environment, enhancing curiosity and an understanding of the natural world.

2. Mini Beast Safari

• Learning Outcome: Understanding the world
• Activity: Investigate the different minibeasts found in the school garden or local park. Provide magnifying glasses and bug catchers. Observe and record the different species.
• Curriculum Link: Supports observation skills and understanding of living things and their habitats.

KS1

1. Plant Growing Experiment

• Learning Outcome: Plant growth
• Activity: Plant seeds in different conditions (eg, sunlight vs. shade, varying amounts of water) and observe their growth over time. Have your pupils record their observations and discuss why some plants grow better than others. You can find this activity in our Year 2 unit on plants. 
• Curriculum Link: Teaches about the requirements of plants for growth, basic needs for survival and the impact of environmental factors.

2. Weather Station

• Learning Outcome: Seasonal changes
• Activity: Create a simple weather station with rain gauges, thermometers and wind vanes. Record the weather daily and discuss the patterns observed over the term.
• Curriculum Link: Helps pupils understand weather patterns, seasonal changes and data recording.

KS2

1. Solar Oven S’mores

• Learning Outcome: Light and heat
• Activity: Construct simple solar ovens using cardboard boxes and aluminium foil. Use the ovens to make s’mores, demonstrating how sunlight can be converted into heat energy. You can find this activity in our Year 3 unit on scientific enquiry. 
• Curriculum Link: Explains the concepts of energy transfer, the effect of sunlight and practical applications of heat energy.

2. Pond Dipping

• Learning Outcome: Living things and their habitats
• Activity: Take pupils to a local pond and use nets to collect and identify various pond creatures. Discuss the different adaptations and life cycles of the organisms found.
• Curriculum Link: Enhances understanding of ecosystems, food chains and the diversity of life in different habitats.

KS3

1. Rocket Science

• Learning Outcome: Forces and motion
• Activity: Build and launch small rockets using bicarbonate soda and vinegar or water and air pressure. Measure the distance travelled and discuss the forces involved in the rocket’s motion.
• Curriculum Link: Introduces Newton’s laws of motion, forces and pressure, encouraging practical application and experimentation.

2. Environmental Surveys

• Learning Outcome: Ecosystems and biodiversity
• Activity: Conduct surveys of local flora and fauna, recording species and their abundance. Use the data to discuss biodiversity, human impact on environments and conservation efforts.
• Curriculum Link: Supports understanding of ecological concepts, data collection, analysis and the importance of biodiversity.

Conclusion

These summer science activities not only make learning fun and engaging but also reinforce key curriculum outcomes across EYFS to KS3. By taking advantage of the summer weather and the natural curiosity of students, you can inspire a love for science that extends beyond the classroom.