UK Curriculum · Year 3 Physics · KS2

Year 3 Physics Lesson Plan & Curriculum Map

The physics units from our Year 3 science scheme of work for the UK curriculum (Key Stage 2, UK National Curriculum): light and forces and magnets. Week-by-week lessons for 1, 2 or 3 days a week, taught from March to August. For the full year, including biology and chemistry, see the Year 3 Science lesson plan.

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Year 3 Physics learning map

Choose a term, then compare a lighter weekly plan with a more intensive schedule.

1 day/week · steady pace2–3 days/week · guided practice
March · Light

Year 3 Physics — March Lesson Plan

UK National Curriculum · Physics
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week
March 1st week
(Science)		Light 1: The need for light in order to see, and that dark is the absence of lightLight 1: The need for light in order to see, and that dark is the absence of lightLight 1: The need for light in order to see, and that dark is the absence of light
March 2nd week
(Science)		Light 2: Light reflecting from surfacesLight 2: Light reflecting from surfacesLight 2: Light reflecting from surfaces
March 3rd week
(Science)		Light Continued Practice & ConsolidationLight Continued Practice & ConsolidationLight 3: Review & Consolidation 4: Practice Activities & Check
March 4th week
(Science)		Light 3: Review & Consolidation 4: Practice Activities & CheckLight 3: Review & Consolidation 4: Practice Activities & CheckLight Applied Practice Activity
April · Light & Working Scientifically

Year 3 Physics — April Lesson Plan

UK National Curriculum · Physics
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week
April 1st week
(Science)		Light & Working Scientifically 1: Protecting eyes from sunlightLight & Working Scientifically 1: Protecting eyes from sunlightLight & Working Scientifically 1: Protecting eyes from sunlight
April 2nd week
(Science)		Light & Working Scientifically 2: Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of waysLight & Working Scientifically 2: Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of waysLight & Working Scientifically 2: Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways
April 3rd week
(Science)		Light & Working Scientifically Continued Practice & ConsolidationLight & Working Scientifically Continued Practice & ConsolidationLight & Working Scientifically 3: Review & Consolidation 4: Practice Activities & Check
April 4th week
(Science)		Light & Working Scientifically 3: Review & Consolidation 4: Practice Activities & CheckLight & Working Scientifically 3: Review & Consolidation 4: Practice Activities & CheckLight & Working Scientifically Applied Practice Activity
The learning framework

Anatomy of a focused lesson

Each session moves from a clear focus to guided practice and a quick check for understanding.

10 minutes

Wonder and question

Start with an everyday question about light, sound, forces or the seasons that links to what your child already knows.

25 minutes

Explore and investigate

Explain the idea with pictures and simple models, then plan, observe or measure a small investigation together.

10 minutes

Check for mastery

Finish with a short quiz or explain-it-back task that shows what is secure and what to revisit.

Student learning toolkit

Resources for Year 3 Physics

Concept lessons

Clear, visual lessons on each National Curriculum physics topic.

Practice activities

Short questions and checks matched to each week’s focus.

Working scientifically

Investigations, measurements and recording skills linked to each physics unit.

Progress notes

A clear record of what your child has mastered and what comes next.

Free first lesson

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