Learning and Teaching Primary Science brings primary science to life through the stories and experiences of pre-service and practising teachers. It explores the roles of the teacher and the learner of science and examines major issues and challenges, including: engaging diverse learners, utilising technology, assessment and reporting, language and representation, and integration in the 'crowded curriculum'. Each chapter contains examples, activities and reflective questions to help readers create relevant and meaningful lesson plans. Dedicated chapters for the areas of chemistry, physics, biology and earth and environmental science will give confidence to those without a science background. Practical strategies and skills are underpinned by relevant theories and evidence-based research. Written by experts from Australia and New Zealand, Learning and Teaching Primary Science is an essential resource for those beginning their journey of teaching science in the primary school classroom.

A fully revised edition of this thorough introduction to the theory and practice of science teaching in middle and secondary schools Science teaching is an art that requires a unique combination of knowledge and skills to engage students and foster their understanding. This book is a thorough introduction and embraces the full spectrum of contemporary reforms in education. It presents science teaching as a dynamic, collaborative activity and highlights recent developments in research into excellence in science teaching. Emphasizing pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment, this book is designed for educators preparing to teach science at middle and high school levels. Fully revised and updated, this second edition includes new chapters which address the use of ICT in the science classroom and suggest innovative ways of developing an engaging, thinking science classroom. Throughout the book, the authors reflect a student-centered approach to science teaching as advocated in reform curriculum documents throughout the world. Written by leading science educators and incorporating classroom examples and activities, this book outlines the main issues science teachers face today.

Why is science hard to teach? What types of scientific investigation can you use in the primary classroom? Touching on current curriculum concerns and the wider challenges of developing high-quality science education, this book is an indispensable overview of important areas of teaching every aspiring primary school teacher needs to understand including: the role of science in the curriculum, communication and literacy in science teaching, science outside the classroom, transitional issues and assessment. Key features of this second edition include: • A new chapter on science in the Early Years • A new practical chapter on how to work scientifically • Master’s-level ‘critical reading’ boxes in every chapter linking topics to relevant specialist literature • Expanded coverage of creativity, and link science to numeracy and computing This is essential reading for all students studying primary science on initial teacher education courses, including undergraduate (BEd, BA with QTS), postgraduate (PGCE, School Direct, SCITT), and also NQTs. Mick Dunne is Senior Lecturer in Science Education at Manchester Metropolitan University Alan Peacock is Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter

Develops secure subject knowledge for primary science with the ability to test understanding through the new online resources.

'Thought-provoking and entices the reader to take a discerning look at science.' Claire Garven, MA Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. ̃An approach to planning and teaching primary science that gives children permission to question their own preconceptions. This enables teachers to encourage children to actively think and discuss what they see, and give reasons for their developing scientific ideas. Strongly recommended for teachers who want their children to learn to think scientifically.' Jane Gibson, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of primary science in ITE at the University of St Mark and St John (Marjon), UK This second edition brings science subject knowledge and pedagogy together to support, inform and inspire those training to teach primary science. Written in a clear and accessible way, the book provides comprehensive coverage of science themes. Ideas for teaching and examples from practice provide a basis for inspiring children to explore science and look at the world in new and intriguing ways. Hallmark features Ideas for practice exemplify how you can help children to use scientific knowledge and concepts to satisfy their curiosity about natural phenomena. Something to think about scenarios help to extend and develop your own understanding of key ideas. The companion website includes links to suggested reading and Teachers TV clips for your own development and for use in the classroom. New to this edition A new chapter called Views of Science Learning encourages the teacher to take a central role in helping children develop scientific attitudes, skills and conceptual understanding. Learning Outside the Classroom is a new chapter that provides ideas and guidance that helps to develop children’s scientific skills and knowledge, while also promoting positive attitudes to science. New Global Dimensions sections offer starting points for discussion and research into how scientific ideas can be positively applied and can be used to evaluate the impact of human activity on the natural world. Talk Skills and Science Discussion sections enable you to develop children's scientific knowledge and verbal reasoning skills.

Creative teaching has the potential to inspire deep learning, using inventive activities and stimulating contexts that can capture the imagination of children. This book enables you to adopt a creative approach to the methods and content of your primary science teaching practice and confidently develop as a science educator. Key aspects of science teaching are discussed, including: planning for teaching and learning assessing primary science cross-curricular approaches the intelligent application of technology sustainability education outdoor learning Coverage is supported by illustrative examples, encouraging you to look at your own teaching practice, your local community and environment, your own interests and those of your children to deepen your understanding of what constitutes good science teaching in primary schools. This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, on both university-based (BEd, BA with QTS, PGCE) and schools-based (School Direct, SCITT) routes into teaching. Dr Roger Cutting is an Associate Professor in Education at the Institute of Education at Plymouth University. Orla Kelly is a Lecturer in Social, Environmental and Scientific Education in the Church of Ireland College of Education.

With the changes that have taken place to the National Curriculum for science, the investigations that children should experience have broadened and become a key part of the curriculum necessary for the development of knowledge and understanding. Working Scientifically is a comprehensive guide that will help primary teachers develop their skills, improve their practice and nurture ‘working scientifically’ in the classroom. This book provides teachers with the tools and resources that are necessary for teaching science in a fun and exploratory way. Focusing on individual skills, it provides scientific activities in a number of different contexts. It explores each skill multiple times to help pupils progress through the age-related expectations and emphasises teaching through exploration, questioning and dialogue. Using the analogy of a journey to space as the central concept, with each step of progression related to a step in the journey, chapters include: What is ‘working scientifically’? Raising questions, predictions and planning; Observations, measurements and recording; Interpreting, analysing and concluding; Reflecting and evaluating; Assessment. Full of practical resources such as planning materials and assessment sheets, Working Scientifically will be an essential guide for all qualified and trainee primary teachers wishing to develop their practice in this essential area of the Science curriculum.