3.3.2 - LTaTH: Classification & Environmental Changes (Y4 + Y6)

Описание: Living Things and Their Habitats | Part 2: Classification and Environmental Change (Years 4 and 6)

In this second part of our Living Things and Their Habitats deep dive, we focus on classification and environmental change across Year 4 and Year 6, with a strong emphasis on practical enquiry, progression and purposeful classroom outcomes.

Joined by Joanna Moore (Primary Science Teaching Trust), Harriet White (University of Exeter), and Mandie Lambert (Primary Science Adviser and KS2 teacher), we explore how classification develops from grouping to independence, how to introduce microorganisms meaningfully, and how to approach environmental change in ways that build understanding, hope, and agency.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Practical approaches to grouping and classification in Year 4
• Moving from classification activities to independent keys in Year 6
• Using Bioblitz-style enquiries to strengthen observation and reasoning
• Introducing microorganisms through enquiry rather than fear
• Common misconceptions about microbes and how to address them
• Safe, meaningful investigations linked to microorganisms
• Practical enquiries into environmental change and human impact
• Supporting sustainability education through connection and agency

This episode is packed with classroom-ready ideas, enquiry approaches and clear thinking about progression across KS2.

Subject knowledge and classroom support links mentioned:
Primary Science Teaching Trust / Explorify - https://www.stem.org.uk/explorify/ani...
https://www.stem.org.uk/explorify/liv...
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics...

Schools Across the Ocean (Harriet White)
Programme page:
https://greenfutures.exeter.ac.uk/our...
Project video:
https://vimeo.com/890343334
Poetry anthology:
https://greenfutures.exeter.ac.uk/our...
Hamishibai Cardboard Theatre Company:
  / hamishibai  

Important safety note on microorganisms
When planning any work involving microorganisms, teachers should check CLEAPSS guidance before carrying out investigations.
Many UK primary schools are automatically enrolled via their local authority, though not all. Individual teacher membership is also available.

Relevant guidance:
https://primary.cleapss.org.uk/Resour...
(Main site: https://www.cleapss.org.uk)
Email queries: [email protected]

CLEAPSS provides essential safety advice, risk assessments and practical guidance and is well worth exploring.