English National Curriculum - Science

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Mission Objectives

Understand how reducing, reusing and recycling materials conserves limited resources, energy and reduces environmental impacts

Explain how different materials (metals, glass, ceramics, plastics) are reused or recycled and the processes involved

Evaluate practical methods to reduce the use of limited resources using given information

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Rocket Words Quiz

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

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Assessment Quiz

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Word Search Game

Word Search Game

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

reduce

minimising the amount of a product consumed or the amount of resources used

recycle

processing waste materials to recover useful substances that can be used to make new products

landfill

a large, managed site where waste that cannot be recycled or reused is buried in the ground

sustainable

meeting the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

reuse

using a product again for the same job (or a different one) without processing or chemical change, extending its lifespan and avoiding the need for new raw materials

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience and a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven record of leading departments effectively, improving practice, and working collaboratively with stakeholders.

In her current work, Samantha embeds evidence-informed pedagogical principles such as retrieval practice, clear modelling, and effective sequencing to support high-quality curriculum design and professional development. She draws on assessment insight and common misconceptions to help teachers secure strong student understanding.

She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor at Ilkley Grammar School, with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and exam requirements.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

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