Practical activity: Sampling techniques

Year 6 Living things and their habitats

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

Biology: Interactions and interdependencies

Relationships in an ecosystem

• the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem, including food webs and insect pollinated crops

Biology: Structure and function of living organisms

Reproduction

• reproduction in plants, including flower structure, wind and insect pollination, fertilisation, seed and fruit formation and dispersal, including quantitative investigation of some dispersal mechanisms

Working Scientifically Skills

Scientific attitudes

• pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility
• evaluate risks

Experimental skills and investigations

• ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience
• make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding
• use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety
• make and record observations and measurements using a range of methods for different investigations; and evaluate the reliability of methods and suggest possible improvements
• apply sampling techniques

Analysis and evaluation

• present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs
• interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions
• present reasoned explanations, including explaining data in relation to predictions and hypotheses
• identify further questions arising from their results