Over the course of the year, each year group completes a longitudinal study which provides children with the opportunity to carry out field work and apply their "acting like a scientist" skills within a meaningful context. These studies require the children to gather evidence, take accurate measurements, and analyse data to draw conclusions regarding changes to the environment over time.

Year R

Year R are using their senses to explore the seasonal changes that take place around them throughout the year. They learn how these changes affect trees, some animals and the clothes that they need to wear.

Year 1

Year 1 are observing and describing the weather and looking for signs in the changing of the seasons; focusing closely on temperature and light.

They will be photographing a tree from Leigh Park and discussing the ways in which it changes throughout the different seasons over the course of the year.

Year 2

Year 2 are investigating which animals live within the different areas of Leigh Park in Eastleigh. Throughout the year they will be returning to observe these different areas, and checking to see if, and how the seasonal changes affect their findings.

Year 3

Year 3 are going to be investigating how we can increase biodiversity within the school grounds. Kitamura have decided to investigate the number of birds within the school grounds. Fletcher class have decided to investigate the number of insects found within the school grounds. The children will be undertaking field work to carefully measure and collect data, which will help them to identify and track the changes. The children will then present their findings to each other.

Year 4 and 5

Year 4 and Year 5 are investigating the question: Are moon cycles related to rainfall? Children know moon cycles affect the water in our oceans and that rainfall comes from evaporation from the water in our oceans. They are going to investigate if moon cycles affect how much rainfall we experience. They will be tracking the moon cycles and measuring the rainfall so that they can discuss if there is a relationship.

Year 6

Year 6 are attempting to answer the question: do we all start and end life in the same way?

They are measuring groups of children through the year and at the end of year, we will compare the growth of the children.

As the children go through the school, the yearly measurements will be compared to see if all children do grow in the same way.