Why Use Explore Science at Home with Your Class?

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 Effective parental engagement can add, on average, +4 months’ additional progress per year (EEF, 2021). The strongest evidence for younger pupils comes from:

·       Shared reading and high-quality talk (discussing stories, asking questions, building vocabulary).

·       Everyday activities linked to class learning.

·       Regular, light-touch communication between school and home, rather than formalised “big” interventions.

Traditional homework in primary schools, however, can be less effective. It can widen inequalities, place pressure on families, and deliver mixed results (EEF, 2021). The challenge is not whether parental engagement matters (it clearly does) but how schools can make it easy, accessible, and sustainable.

That’s where Explore Science at Home comes in.

Each science unit comes with a single-page resource designed to strengthen home–school connections without increasing teacher workload or family stress. Teachers can:

·       Print one page per half term, or

·       Email the same sheet, avoiding the “lost in the book bag” problem while reducing printing costs.

Every page includes:

·       A clear overview of what pupils will be learning that half term.

·       Conversation starters to prompt everyday science talk.

·       A short list of book and website suggestions, prioritising library and free access.

·       Simple, low-cost activity ideas using everyday items already at home.

·       Four featured scientists, chosen to reflect different times, places, and backgrounds — helping pupils to see that science is for everyone.

These sheets are not homework. They are invitations. Families can use them in whatever way fits. It could be a quick chat on the walk to school, or a bedtime conversation, shared reading, or even a weekend activity if time allows. This reflects EEF findings that support is most powerful when parents encourage talk, curiosity, self-regulation, and reading habits; not when they are asked to “teach” content.

For teachers, Explore Science at Home is a low-effort, high-impact tool: fast to share, easy to integrate, and designed to fit seamlessly alongside classroom learning. For families, it removes barriers, avoids pressure, and opens science up as part of everyday life.

And for pupils? It helps them build science capital, strengthens vocabulary and curiosity, and reinforces the message that science has no barriers. It’s not for “someone else.” It’s for everyone.

That’s why Explore Science at Home works.
One page. Every half term.
Low effort for schools.
High impact for children.

References

Education Endowment Foundation. (2021). Parental engagement: Guidance report. Education Endowment Foundation. https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/production/eef-guidance-reports/supporting-parents/EEF_Parental_Engagement_Guidance_Report.pdf

Education Endowment Foundation. (2021). Teaching and learning toolkit: Homework (primary). Education Endowment Foundation. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/homework-primary

Ofsted. (2023). Finding the optimum: The science subject report. Ofsted. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/subject-report-series-science