Science: Blog items

Nursery meet the Ducklings

Date: 18th Jun 2026 @ 4:58pm

This week, our nursery children were very excited to welcome some special visitors from the Reception class – a group of adorable ducklings!

We talked together about where the ducklings came from. The children learned that they had hatched from eggs and were being carefully looked after before coming to see us. Everyone was fascinated to hear how the ducklings need warmth, food, and gentle care as they grow.

The children also found out what ducklings like to eat. We discussed how they enjoy grains and special duck food, and that they need fresh water to drink. The children loved pretending to feed the ducklings and talked about keeping them happy and healthy.

The highlight of the visit was seeing just how soft and fluffy the ducklings were. Their bright yellow feathers looked like little balls of sunshine! The children were very gentle and curious, watching closely as the ducklings waddled around and chirped quietly.

It was a lovely experience that sparked lots of talking, wondering, and excitement. We are looking forward to learning more about how the ducklings grow and change!

Reception learn about the ducklings

Date: 16th Jun 2026 @ 3:43pm

Our Reception class has been on an incredible learning journey as we explored the lifecycle of a duck, inspired by our very own classroom ducklings — Patchy, Coco, Paul, John, Rosie and Raphelle.

Watching the ducklings grow right in front of us made our learning come to life in such a special way. The children were fascinated as they observed how the ducklings changed each day, helping them to understand the different stages of the duck lifecycle — from egg, to duckling, and eventually to an adult duck.

During our oracy sessions, the children did a fantastic job of building their confidence in speaking. They used descriptive language to talk about what the ducklings looked like, describing their soft, fluffy feathers, tiny webbed feet, little wings, and smooth bills. It was wonderful to hear such thoughtful and detailed sentences being shared with the class. This enthusiasm for learning continued into our writing. The children produced some fabulous pieces of writing, describing their favourite ducklings and explaining what they had learned about how ducks grow and change. We are so proud of their creativity and effort! ✏️✨

We also explored our learning through art and design. The children enjoyed painting pictures of the ducklings and had lots of fun creating their own models. Each creation was unique, showing the children’s wonderful imagination and attention to detail.

This hands-on experience has helped the children develop not only their understanding of lifecycles and change, but also important skills in speaking, writing, observing, and creativity. What a fantastic and memorable way to learn — we are so proud of everything the children have achieved!

Reception have a special delivery

Date: 16th Jun 2026 @ 3:39pm

We had a very exciting surprise in Reception when a special delivery arrived — six mysterious duck eggs!

The children were full of curiosity and wonder. We spent time talking together and making predictions about what might be inside the eggs. Some children guessed ducklings, others thought chicks, and a few even imagined something completely different! Then came the most magical moment of all… the eggs began to hatch right before our eyes! 🥚

✨ One by one, the eggs cracked open and we were delighted to meet six adorable ducklings. We named them: Patchy, Coco, Paul, John, Rosie and Raphelle. From that moment on, the children took on the important role of caring for our new arrivals. We learnt just how important it is to look after living creatures by making sure the ducklings had plenty of food, clean water, and a safe, warm space. The children showed such kindness and responsibility. We also spent lots of time observing how the ducklings were growing and changing each day. The children noticed their soft feathers, their bills, their tiny wings, and their webbed feet. They loved talking about how each duckling looked slightly different and spotting their unique features.

One of the most exciting experiences was when the children got the chance to gently hold the ducklings. There were lots of smiles and very careful hands! Another highlight was watching them have their first swims — the children were fascinated to see how naturally they moved in the water. 🦆💦 This wonderful experience helped us learn so much about life cycles, growth, and caring for animals. It was a truly memorable time for everyone in Reception, and we are so proud of how thoughtful and gentle the children were throughout. 

Reception release the butterflies

Date: 16th Jun 2026 @ 3:34pm

Over the past few weeks, our Reception class has been on a truly magical journey, watching our tiny caterpillars grow and change right before our eyes. At the start, our caterpillars were very small and wriggly. We made sure to observe them carefully every day, noticing how they ate, moved, and slowly began to grow bigger and bigger.

The children were fascinated by how quickly they changed! After some time, something very exciting happened — our caterpillars formed their cocoons . We talked about how this is an important stage called metamorphosis, where the caterpillars transform into butterflies. The class showed wonderful patience as we waited and wondered what was happening inside.

Then, the big moment arrived! One morning, we noticed beautiful butterflies beginning to emerge. The children were amazed to see their colourful wings and how different they looked from the caterpillars we first met. We spent time observing their patterns, colours, and gentle movements.

Finally, it was time to say goodbye. We took our butterflies outside and carefully released them into the wild. There was lots of excitement as we watched them flutter up into the sky. This experience has helped us learn so much about life cycles, caring for living things, and the wonders of nature. We are so proud of how responsible and kind the children have been throughout this journey.

What an unforgettable adventure it has been! 🌸🦋 

Acorns - Ducklings

Date: 16th Jun 2026 @ 9:49am

This term we are exploring the topic "All creatures great and small". We have been learning about the duck life cycle. We have developed our engagement through Bucket Time activities, exploring chicks hatching from an egg and a feather fountain. Followed by learning that ducklings hatch from an egg, eggs have hard shells and ducks have soft feathers. We then had the pleasure of meeting our ducklings who have hatched last week in school.

Year 1- Plants

Date: 16th Jun 2026 @ 7:51am

In science, we went on a nature walk around the school grounds to explore the different plants we could find. When we returned to the classroom, we discussed our discoveries and learned about the different parts of a plant, labelling each one. To finish, we used our knowledge to draw and complete the other half of a plant.

Year 4 - Classification Keys

Date: 15th Jun 2026 @ 9:13pm

Year 4 Science: Using Classification Keys

In Year 4 Science, pupils have been exploring how scientists group and classify living things. In this lesson, children have developed their understanding of how different plants and animals can be identified based on their characteristics.

We began by identifying and naming a range of living things from both our local and wider environment. Pupils then discussed how these living things can be grouped according to features such as habitat, appearance, and physical characteristics.

The children were introduced to classification keys, learning how to use simple yes/no questions to identify unknown living things. They worked thoughtfully to follow the classification keys, helping them to sort organisms accurately.

This learning encouraged pupils to think carefully about similarities and differences, while developing important scientific skills such as observation, reasoning, and decision-making. Pupils showed great enthusiasm and collaboration when working through their classifications.

By the end of the lessons, pupils were able to confidently use classification keys to identify living things and explain how and why they had grouped them.

We are very proud of their developing scientific thinking!

Year 3 - Plants

Date: 14th Jun 2026 @ 12:30pm

Year 3 have made a wonderful start to their new Science topic all about Plants. The lesson was full of curiosity, discussion, and hands-on thinking as the children explored how plants grow and survive.

To begin, we revisited what we had already learned in Key Stage 1. The children impressed us with how much they remembered, confidently explaining that plants need water, sunlight, nutrients, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and space to grow. It was fantastic to see them building on their prior knowledge and making connections to their new learning.

We then introduced the process of photosynthesis, helping the children understand how plants make their own food. They learned that plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create the energy they need to grow. This sparked lots of great questions and showed how engaged the class were in discovering more about the natural world.

The highlight of the lesson was planning our very own scientific investigation. The children worked together to design an experiment where we will change the type of liquid given to a plant and measure how it affects its growth over time. They carefully thought about how to make the test fair and discussed what they expected might happen.

After lots of discussion, the class made a prediction that the plant given water will grow the best, showing a clear understanding of what plants need to survive.

We are very excited to carry out our experiment and observe what happens over the coming weeks.

Year 2 Science: Planting Sunflowers 🌻🌱

Date: 11th Jun 2026 @ 4:27pm

In Year 2, we have been developing our understanding of plants by taking part in a hands-on planting activity 😊.

This week, the children each planted their own sunflower seeds 🌻. They carefully followed the steps, making sure their seeds were planted correctly and given the best start to grow.

Over the coming weeks, we will be watering our plants and observing how they change 🌱💧. The children will also be thinking about which environment helps their sunflower grow best, developing their scientific thinking and curiosity 🤔.

We are excited to watch our sunflowers grow and see whose will reach the tallest height! 🌟👏

Year 6 - Manchester Museum

Date: 10th Jun 2026 @ 6:50pm

🏛️ Year 6 Trip to Manchester Museum 🚌

Year 6 had an amazing day out visiting the Manchester Museum, packed full of exciting discoveries, hands-on learning and fascinating history. From ancient worlds to living creatures, there was something for everyone to enjoy – and it truly was a great day enjoyed by all! 😊


🐫 Ancient Egypt Adventure

One of the highlights of the trip was exploring the Ancient Egypt gallery. We saw real mummies, beautifully decorated coffins and artefacts that are thousands of years old! 🏺
Pupils were fascinated to learn about how the Egyptians lived, their beliefs about the afterlife, and how mummification worked. It felt like stepping back in time!


🌍 Discovering the Natural World

In the Natural World section, children explored exhibits all about habitats, animals, and our planet. 🌱🐾
They learned about biodiversity and how different species adapt to survive. There were lots of interactive displays which made learning fun and engaging!


🦖 Fossils and Dinosaurs

The fossils and dinosaurs gallery was a big hit! 🦕🦴
We saw enormous dinosaur skeletons and real fossils, giving us a glimpse into life millions of years ago. Pupils loved identifying different dinosaurs and imagining what the Earth was like in prehistoric times.


🏮 Chinese and Asian Culture

Another fascinating part of the museum focused on Chinese and wider Asian cultures. 🎎
We explored traditional clothing, art, and objects, learning about different customs and ways of life. It was a fantastic opportunity to understand and celebrate cultures from around the world.


🐸 A Visit to the Vivarium

The Vivarium was definitely one of the most exciting areas! 🦎🐍
We saw a variety of live animals, including frogs, lizards, and fish. Some were brightly coloured, while others were masters of camouflage. It was incredible to see these creatures up close!


🌟 A Day to Remember

The trip to Manchester Museum was a wonderful experience for everyone. Pupils were curious, enthusiastic, and eager to learn throughout the day.

We returned to school with lots of new knowledge, great memories, and plenty to talk about. A huge thank you to the staff and helpers who made this trip possible!

👏 Well done Year 6 – what a fantastic day! 🌟

Eco at Boundary- Gardening Club

Date: 21st May 2026 @ 11:02am

The Eco Club at Boundary School has been actively working to improve biodiversity across the school grounds while promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness among students.

As part of our gardening initiative, pupils have been preparing the outdoor spaces for the summer growing season. This has involved planting a variety of seeds and plants, including sunflowers, potatoes, and colourful bedding plants. These activities not only support hands-on learning but also help students understand where food comes from and how plants grow.

A key focus of the project is to create a welcoming habitat for pollinators and wildlife. By carefully selecting plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, students are helping to support local ecosystems. The garden areas are being developed into vibrant, nature-friendly spaces that will continue to flourish throughout the warmer months.

In addition to environmental benefits, the gardening club plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing. Spending time outdoors, getting active, and working together as a team all contribute to improved mental and physical health.

Overall, the Eco Club is making a positive impact by transforming the school grounds into a thriving, sustainable environment while inspiring students to care for nature and take pride in their surroundings.

Year 6 - The Circulatory System

Date: 20th May 2026 @ 7:49am

 

❤️ Year 6 Blog: Learning About the Heart and Circulatory System 🫀

This term in Year 6, we have been learning all about the heart and the circulatory system—and it has been really interesting! 🔍✨

We started by discovering what the heart does. We learned that the heart is a strong muscle 💪 that pumps blood around our body. The circulatory system includes the heart 🫀, blood 🩸, and blood vessels 🧬, and it is responsible for carrying important things like oxygen 🌬️ and nutrients 🍎 to every part of our body.

We found out that blood travels through arteries, veins, and capillaries. The arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart ➡️🫀, while the veins bring blood back to the heart 🔄. It was amazing to learn how the body keeps everything moving without us even thinking about it! 🤯

Next, we explored how exercise 🏃‍♀️ affects our heart rate 💓. We learned that when we exercise, our muscles need more oxygen to work harder. To help with this, our heart beats faster to pump more oxygen-rich blood around the body. This is why our heart rate increases when we run, jump, or play sports! ⚽🏀

To investigate this further, we carried out our own experiment 🧪. We measured our resting heart rate 🛑💓 and then tested how it changed after different types of exercise. Some of the activities we tried included:

  • Jogging on the spot 🏃
  • Arm circles ⭐
  •  

We carefully measured our heart rates after each activity and recorded our results 📊. Then, we compared them to see which type of exercise increased our heart rate the most.

From our investigation, we discovered that more intense exercises 🔥, such as fast running, increased our heart rates much more than slower activities like arm circles. This helped us understand that the harder our muscles work 💪, the more oxygen they need 🌬️, and the faster our heart has to beat 🫀💨.

Overall, this topic has helped us understand how important the heart is ❤️ and why exercise is good for our bodies. We now know that keeping active helps keep our heart healthy and strong! 🌟

We have really enjoyed being scientists 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬 and investigating how our bodies work!

Year 4 - Collecting and Analysing Data

Date: 18th May 2026 @ 2:08pm

Year 4 Computing: Collecting and Analysing Data with Micro:bits

This week in Year 4 computing, pupils worked as young data scientists, planning and carrying out their own investigations to answer questions such as “How does the classroom temperature change throughout the day?”

Pupils began by deciding what data they wanted to collect and how they would do it fairly. They then programmed BBC micro:bits to collect and record data, using built-in sensors to measure factors such as sound, light, and temperature. This helped develop their understanding of coding, data logging, and real‑world applications of technology.

After collecting their data, pupils reconnected their micro:bits to laptops to download and analyse their results. They explored how data can be presented as tables and graphs, making it easier to spot patterns and draw conclusions.

Through discussion, pupils used their findings to answer key questions. We discovered that:

  • Laurel was louder than Maple overall during the morning session
  • Year 1 was cooler than Year 2 overall during the morning session
  • Key Stage 1 was louder than Key Stage 2 at break time
  • Maple was brighter than Fern during the morning session

This engaging lesson developed pupils’ computing, teamwork, and analytical skills, while showing how technology can help us investigate the world around us.

Reception grow a bean stalk

Date: 15th May 2026 @ 10:29am

This week in Reception, we were very excited to receive a special letter from Jack! He told us all about his adventure and asked for our help to grow a magical beanstalk so he could visit the giant in the sky. During our oracy session, the children shared their ideas about what plants need in order to grow. We had some fantastic discussions, using kind voices and listening carefully to each other. The children suggested that a bean plant needs water, sunlight, soil, and warmth. We talked about how each of these helps a plant stay healthy and grow tall and strong. After our discussions, we took our learning outside. Each child had the opportunity to plant their own bean! We carefully pressed the beans into the soil and gave them a drink of water. We chose a sunny spot so our plants can soak up lots of sunshine. We are now eagerly waiting to see what happens next. Will our beans grow into tall beanstalks like Jack’s? We can’t wait to observe the changes and continue our learning about plants. Stay tuned for updates on our growing adventures! 

Year 4 - Conductors and insulators

Date: 11th May 2026 @ 9:02pm

We carried out an exciting science investigation to find out which everyday materials are conductors and which are insulators. The children tested paper, paper clips, pencils, pencil sharpeners, staples, rubbers, and rulers by adding them to a simple electrical circuit. They carefully observed which materials allowed the electricity to flow and which stopped it. The children proudly discovered that materials needed to be made of metal to be conductors, while the non-metal objects acted as insulators.

Reception go on a minibeast hunt.

Date: 8th May 2026 @ 12:06pm

Following our exciting learning about the life cycle of a butterfly, our Reception children, have developed a growing interest in minibeasts and insects found in the natural world. Building on their curiosity, we explored the different creatures they might find in the garden during the spring season. The children eagerly shared their ideas, naming a variety of minibeasts such as snails, worms, caterpillars, millipedes, and ladybirds. Together, we discussed the features of these creatures, learning new vocabulary such as wings, legs, body, and antennae. The children were quick to notice similarities and differences, showing a keen interest in how each creature moves and lives. To bring this learning to life, the children worked in pairs to go on a bug hunt in the garden. Equipped with magnifying glasses and a sense of adventure, they searched carefully in different places, including under leaves, near plants, and along the soil. They were thrilled with what they discovered, finding a range of minibeasts and observing them closely in their natural habitats. This hands-on experience encouraged teamwork, observation skills, and respectful interaction with living things. The children discussed their findings with their partners and shared their excitement with the group. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm continue to grow, as they become more confident in identifying minibeasts and using new vocabulary to describe what they see.

Reception The Lifecycle of a Butterfly

Date: 8th May 2026 @ 11:58am

The Reception have been fascinated by learning about the life cycle of a caterpillar through real-life observation. Over the past few weeks, they have carefully watched tiny caterpillars grow bigger each day, noticing changes in size, shape, and movement. This hands-on experience has brought their learning to life in a meaningful and exciting way. Through engaging oracy sessions, the children have been introduced to new scientific vocabulary such as metamorphosis, transform, chrysalis, and cocoon. They have practised using these words confidently in discussions, helping to build both their language skills and understanding of the topic. The children asked thoughtful questions, such as “What is the catpillar eatingp?” and “What happens inside the cocoon?”, showing curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. The class worked together to make simple observations and recorded what they noticed over time. They also learnt to sequence the stages of the life cycle correctly: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Using this knowledge, each child created their own sentences to describe the different stages, demonstrating their growing confidence in both science and literacy. This topic has encouraged curiosity, careful observation, and thoughtful discussion. It has been wonderful to see the children so engaged in discovering how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly—a truly magical example of nature in action.

Nursery Go on a Snail Hunt

Date: 7th May 2026 @ 11:20am

This week, our garden turned into a place of wonder as one of the children sparked a big interest in snails. Together, we became snail explorers, carefully looking under every plant, log and stone to see who might be hiding there. We were delighted to find snails of all sizes — some big and some tiny baby ones too!

The children watched closely as the snails slowly moved and explored their surroundings. Using natural materials, we worked together to make a beautiful, safe home where the snails could live comfortably. The children showed great care and kindness, making sure the snails had delicious leaves to eat and were handled gently.

It was a lovely opportunity to learn about living things, develop curiosity, and practise caring for nature — all through a simple garden adventure.

Year 5 - Science - Lifecycles

Date: 7th May 2026 @ 9:22am

Year 5 have been learning about the life cycles of living things, including plants. They have explored the two main ways plants reproduce: sexual reproduction through seeds and asexual reproduction through processes such as bulbs, cuttings, and runners.

In addition, pupils have studied and compared the life cycles of different groups of animals, including amphibians, birds, and mammals. They have learned how these life cycles differ, for example by examining stages such as egg, larva, and adult in amphibians, and how mammals give birth to live young. Through this learning, pupils have developed an understanding of how living things grow, develop, and reproduce in different ways.

Reception observing our classroom caterpillar

Date: 1st May 2026 @ 11:08am

Over the past few weeks, our classroom has been filled with excitement as we welcomed 5 tiny caterpillars into our learning environment. The children were fascinated from the moment they arrived, eagerly observing their movements and discussing what they might need to grow. As part of our learning, the children have been carefully watching the caterpillars each day, noticing how they have grown bigger and changed over time, The children have enjoyed recording their observations through drawings and simple descriptions, encouraging them to think about what they can see and how things change. They have used wonderful language to describe the caterpillars, noticing details such as size, colour, and movement. We have also had lots of discussions about what might happen next. The children are very excited and are hoping that, in the coming days, they will see the caterpillars form their cocoons. This anticipation has sparked curiosity and encouraged prediction skills, as they share their ideas about what the caterpillars will become. This hands-on experience has provided a valuable opportunity for the children to engage with nature in a meaningful way, fostering curiosity, observation, and a growing understanding of the world around them. We look forward to continuing this journey and sharing the next stage of our caterpillars’ transformation with you!

Nursery Plant Sunflower

Date: 30th Apr 2026 @ 12:26pm

This week our preschool children enjoyed sharing the story Sam Plants a Sunflower. They listened carefully as Sam learned how to look after his tiny seed and watched it grow tall and strong. The story sparked lots of discussion about what plants need to grow, including soil, water and sunshine.

Inspired by Sam, the children then planted their own sunflower seeds. They carefully filled pots with compost, gently pressed their seeds into the soil and gave them a drink of water. There was great excitement and pride as everyone took responsibility for their own plant.

This activity supported the children’s understanding of the world as they explored growth and change, and encouraged characteristics of effective learning such as active learning, following instructions and showing care. We are looking forward to watching our sunflowers grow together over the coming weeks! 🌻

 

Year 3 - Shadows

Date: 30th Apr 2026 @ 9:21am

In this lesson we looked at how shadows change length amd size. Firstly, the children thought about how we could test this. We thought about how we could create a fair test, what our investigation question is and what equipment we would need. We hen tested this following our plan to see how shadows change depending on the distance from the light source. 

Year 4 - Does the circuit work?

Date: 30th Apr 2026 @ 9:12am

In Science, we used our knowledge of electrical symbols and our understanding of how circuits work to investigate whether the circuit diagrams we were given would work or not. We carefully examined each diagram to check whether it showed a complete circuit and identified any parts that might stop the circuit from working properly.

Year 4 - Creative Coding

Date: 30th Apr 2026 @ 7:53am

Year 4 Computing: Using micro:bits to Investigate Noise Levels

This week in Year 4 computing, pupils used BBC micro:bits to investigate a real‑life question: Which is the quietest classroom in Key Stage 2? The children programmed their micro:bits to work as noise meters, developing their understanding of inputs, data, and outputs.

As part of the challenge, pupils extended their programs so the micro:bit could record the maximum volume level it detected. They then coded the device to display this maximum reading as text on the LED screen when a button was pressed. This helped pupils think carefully about variables, accuracy, and how data can be stored and retrieved.

Once their programs were complete, pupils collected sound readings from different classrooms around KS2 and compared their results. The lesson encouraged teamwork, problem‑solving, and thoughtful discussion about fair testing.

Year 4 showed great enthusiasm and resilience, applying their coding skills to answer a meaningful enquiry question using technology.

Reception- Space

Date: 24th Apr 2026 @ 11:42am

As part of our Space topic, the children developed their oracy skills by learning and confidently using new vocabulary. Key words introduced included:
moon, rocket, stars, planet, Earth, satellite, and space station. Children practiced saying these words in full sentences during discussions, circle time, and shared activities.

In Maths, children explored space-themed learning through counting, number recognition, and simple problem-solving. They used rockets and stars to count objects, compare quantities, and talk about size, shape, and position using early mathematical language such as more, less, tall, and next to.

In Creative Art, the children designed and created their own rockets, selecting materials independently and talking about their designs. This supported fine motor skills, creativity, and expressive language as children explained what their rockets needed to travel to space.

The children also watched informational videos to deepen their understanding of space. This included learning about the first moon landing and discussing recent space exploration such as NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to return astronauts to the Moon. These discussions encouraged curiosity, questioning, and early understanding of the world beyond Earth.

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Boundary Primary School

Dinmore Ave, Blackpool FY3 7RW

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01253 287250:
admin@boundary.seteducation.org.uk

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