ABSTRACT

Now in a fully updated seventh edition, The Teaching of Science in Primary Schools provides essential information for students, trainee, and practising teachers about the why, what and how of teaching primary science. Paying particular attention to inquiry-based teaching and learning, the book recognises the challenges of teaching science, and provides suggestions and examples aimed to increase teachers’ confidence and pupils‘ enjoyment of the subject.

This new edition explores:

  • Changes in curriculum and assessment requirements in the UK
  • Advances in knowledge of how children learn
  • Expansion in the use of ICT by teachers and children

And expands on key aspects of teaching including:

  • The compelling reasons for starting science in the primary school
  • Strategies for helping children to develop understanding, skills and enjoyment
  • Attention to school and teacher self-evaluation as a means of improving provision for children’s learning.

Giving the latest information about the rationale for and use of inquiry-based, constructivist methodology, and the use of assessment to help learning, the book combines practice and theory, explaining and advocating for particular classroom interactions and activities. This book is essential reading for all primary school teachers and those engaged in studying primary education.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

part 1|60 pages

Compelling reasons for teaching science in primary schools

chapter 1|12 pages

The importance of primary school science

chapter 2|19 pages

Primary school science curricula in the UK

chapter 3|15 pages

Primary science in action

chapter 4|12 pages

Experiences for learning science

part 2|69 pages

About children's learning

chapter 5|12 pages

What we know about children's learning

chapter 6|12 pages

Children's ideas

chapter 7|15 pages

Learning through talking

chapter 8|14 pages

Learning through inquiry

chapter 9|14 pages

Learning with ICT

part 3|58 pages

The teacher's roles

chapter 10|14 pages

Teachers' and children's questions

chapter 11|14 pages

Helping progression in scientific ideas

chapter 12|16 pages

Helping progression in inquiry skills

part 4|75 pages

Assessment and learning

chapter 14|15 pages

Assessment purposes

chapter 15|15 pages

Gathering evidence to help learning

chapter 16|15 pages

Interpreting evidence for feedback

chapter 17|11 pages

Children's role in formative assessment

chapter 18|17 pages

Summative assessment and reporting

part 5|72 pages

Planning environments for learning science

chapter 19|14 pages

School level planning

chapter 20|12 pages

Class level planning

chapter 21|15 pages

Sources and resources for practical inquiry

chapter 22|15 pages

Providing for learning outside the classroom

chapter 23|14 pages

Inclusive science education

part 6|42 pages

Accountability and evaluation of practice

chapter 24|10 pages

Evaluating provision at the class level

chapter 25|13 pages

Evaluating provision at the school level

chapter |2 pages

Questions for discussion