Science

Science — PYP

International Baccalaureate · Ages 3-12

PYP science is organised into four strands — living things, Earth and space, materials and matter, and forces and energy — explored through units of inquiry rather than as a linear syllabus.

The emphasis is on scientific skills as much as content: observing, questioning, predicting, planning a fair investigation, recording and reflecting. Children are expected to take action based on what they learn, particularly around sustainability.

Because the PYP specifies concepts rather than fixed content, two IB schools may cover quite different material at the same age — which is worth knowing when comparing a child's progress against a national curriculum.

Key topics covered

• Living Things — Characteristics, life cycles, habitats, adaptation and interdependence.
• Earth & Space — The planet, weather, seasons, natural cycles and the solar system.
• Materials & Matter — Properties, states of matter and how materials change.
• Forces & Energy — Movement, forces, light, sound, electricity and energy transfer.
• Scientific Skills — Observing, predicting, fair testing, recording and drawing conclusions.
• Taking Action — Applying scientific understanding to sustainability and the local environment.