Living things and their habitats
Unit Summary
Building on previous 'Living Things' units, this Year 6 National Curriculum course helps children identify the kingdoms of life and to classify living things within those kingdoms. The children will be introduced to the Linnean system of classification and will be able to develop their practical scientific skills though investigating mould growth on bread and mushroom spore dispersal.
Developing Experts works closely with industry with the goal of ensuring that career choice is no longer left to chance and we are committed to connecting talent to local opportunity. The Gatsby Benchmarks, therefore, permeate our curriculum and careers library.
This unit has been written by
Clare Faulkner
Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!
In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!
Dr Shannon Weldon
Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!
Katie Barrie
Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts.
In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.
Contact: [email protected]
Matthew Willsher
Matthew is an experienced and qualified educator, with a background in both classroom and outdoor settings. He is passionate about making learning engaging for all involved and creates content which enhances children’s experiences in education and those delivering it. With a strong belief in the value of education, Matthew recognises the importance of enabling children and adults to access any curriculum content with ease, regardless of their backgrounds. In his spare time, Matthew loves being with family and friends; additionally, he has a keen interest in the performing arts and volunteers time as a voice-over artist.
Sarah Mintey MBE
Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.
Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.
Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020.
Lessons
Enquiry Approach - Research
Using information from a variety of sources to answer scientific questions.
Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results
Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.
Enquiry Approach - Research
Using information from a variety of sources to answer scientific questions.
Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results
Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Skill - Setting up tests
Carefully following a method and using equipment accurately to carry out a scientific enquiry. The method may be designed by teachers or children themselves.
Enquiry Approach - Observation over time
Observing changes that occur over a long or short period of time.
Enquiry Skill - Observing and measuring
Using the senses and taking measurements, using a range of equipment, to make observations about a scientific enquiry.
Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving
Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.
Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results
Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.
Enquiry Approach - Identifying, grouping & classifying
Using observations, data and findings to name, label and organise items in a variety of ways.
Enquiry Skill - Recording data, results and findings
Using tables, a variety of graphs, labelled diagrams and models to record observations, measurements, results and findings.