ABSTRACT
Science and technology are key aspects of education in a modern, industrial society. Scientists use their understanding to make new discoveries which are used to develop and produce new products, such as in cancer research, space research, and products to be used at home and work. Many adults believe that they know very little about science and technology. Children begin to develop their scientific and technological understanding from a very early age. It will help assistants to develop children's scientific and technological understanding through: building adult confidence with scientific and technological ideas and processes; providing support for practical tasks which will enhance adult understanding of concepts and skills. It will also help assistants to develop children's scientific and technological understanding through: offering support with the role of assistant; and offering teachers advice in using the assistant's support for the children's benefit. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
