Long-term overview - Grouping Living Things - Year 4

In the Year 4 science curriculum, students delve into the fascinating topic of how living things are grouped and classified. The lessons build on foundational knowledge from previous years, where students initially learned about classifying in Year 1 and explored habitats in Year 2. The curriculum aims to deepen their understanding of the natural world by teaching them to use classification keys to group, identify, and name various living things. Students will investigate the criteria used to categorize plants and animals, including the separation into producers, consumers, and predators. They will also learn to group materials based on their states of matter, such as solids, liquids, and gases.

Working scientifically, pupils will discover the importance of classification and its real-world applications. They will conduct research on the impact of climate change on animals globally, exploring how changes in the environment can pose dangers to living organisms. Additionally, the curriculum prompts students to consider how environments can change positively. Through these topics, children will develop a comprehensive understanding of biology, specifically the grouping and classification of living things, while also being encouraged to think critically about environmental issues and conservation efforts.