Year 4 Science Report Comments — Examples & Writing Tips
Year 4 science covers some genuinely exciting topics — from building electrical circuits to classifying living things. Writing science comments can be tricky because the curriculum is broad, but anchoring each comment in a specific topic and skill makes them far more meaningful.
Living Things and Their Habitats
Confident: Sofia has shown excellent understanding of classification this term. She can use classification keys to group living things based on observable features and has created her own keys for her classmates to use. Her scientific vocabulary — including terms like “vertebrate,” “invertebrate” and “habitat” — is developing well.
Developing: Daniel can sort living things into broad groups with support. He is becoming more confident using classification keys and is learning to identify the specific features that distinguish one group from another.
States of Matter
Confident: Emily demonstrates a clear understanding of solids, liquids and gases. She can explain the differences using particle theory and accurately describes the processes of evaporation and condensation. Her investigation into which conditions make water evaporate fastest showed strong scientific reasoning.
Working towards: Liam is learning to identify materials as solids, liquids or gases. He sometimes confuses the properties of liquids and gases, and we are using practical activities to reinforce these concepts. Discussing everyday examples at home — ice melting, steam from a kettle — would support his understanding.
Sound
Example: Yasmin thoroughly enjoyed our unit on sound. She can explain that sounds are caused by vibrations and understands that the pitch of a sound changes depending on the size and tension of the vibrating object. Her investigation into string telephones was particularly well-executed.
Electricity
Confident: George can construct a simple series circuit and identify whether a lamp will light based on the circuit diagram. He understands the role of a switch and can predict what will happen when components are added or removed. He works methodically and records his results clearly.
Developing: Amelia is developing her understanding of simple circuits. She can identify the basic components (battery, wire, bulb, switch) and is practising constructing circuits independently. With continued hands-on experience, her confidence will grow.
Working Scientifically
Example: Throughout the year, Theo has developed his ability to ask scientific questions and design fair tests to investigate them. He records his observations using tables and bar charts and is beginning to draw simple conclusions from his data. His enthusiasm for practical science is a real asset to the class.
Tips for Year 4 Science Comments
- Reference specific topics: Science is broad — mentioning the actual unit studied is more useful than general statements.
- Include “working scientifically” skills: The curriculum emphasises enquiry skills alongside knowledge. Comment on how children investigate, record and conclude.
- Use scientific vocabulary: Terms like “fair test,” “prediction,” “variable” and “conclusion” show rigour.
Browse our Year 4 Science comment bank for more examples. Reportify can generate personalised science comments for your entire class — try 5 reports free.