Ebook Early Explorations In Science

Reviewers’ comments on the first edition: “Jane Johnston communicates a sense of effervescent enthusiasm for teaching and science, and her treatment is comprehensive.” TES “The ideas and recommendations, based on considerable classroom experience, make this book a valuable aid to students and reflective early years practitioners.” Primary Science Review “At last! A serious attempt to explore the scientific potential of infant and pre-school children… The author explains how scientific skills can be developed at an early stage, stimulating the natural inquisitive streak in children. This book…will start you thinking about science in a much more positive light.” Child Education This accessible and practical book supports good scientific practice in the early years. It helps practitioners to be creative providers, and shows them how to develop awe and wonder of the world in the children they teach. The book highlights the importance of a motivating learning environment and skilled interaction with well-trained adults. In addition, fundamental issues are explored such as the range, nature and philosophical underpinning of early years experiences and the development of emergent scientific skills, understandings and attitudes. New features for this edition include: An extended age range encompassing early learning from 0 – 8 Updated material for the Foundation Stage Curriculum for 3 – 5-year-olds and the National Curriculum 2000 for 5 – 8-year-olds A new chapter focusing on conceptual understanding and thinking skills in the early years An emphasis on the importance of informal learning and play in early development The book introduces and discusses new research and thinking in early years and science education throughout, making it relevant for current practice. This is an indispensable resource for all trainee and practising primary school teachers and early years practitioners.

This book emphasizes the significance of teaching science in early childhood classrooms, reviews the research on what young children are likely to know about science and provides key points on effectively teaching science to young children. Science education, an integral part of national and state standards for early childhood classrooms, encompasses not only content-based instruction but also process skills, creativity, experimentation and problem-solving. By introducing science in developmentally appropriate ways, we can support young children’s sensory explorations of their world and provide them with foundational knowledge and skills for lifelong science learning, as well as an appreciation of nature. This book emphasizes the significance of teaching science in early childhood classrooms, reviews the research on what young children are likely to know about science, and provides key points on effectively teaching young children science. Common research methods used in the reviewed studies are identified, methodological concerns are discussed and methodological and theoretical advances are suggested.

This innovative book aims to support schools in shifting teaching and learning in primary science by changing teacher perceptions of where science should be taught. The authors have not taken a traditional approach to the use of school grounds but a much bolder step in terms of a whole school approach to the science curriculum being taught outside. Key features of the book include: Practical examples from teachers in schools across England Approaches that combine science and the development of personal capabilities for teachers who want to develop a whole school approach relating to key skills in science Innovative approaches to activities in science using the school grounds Suggestions to help science leaders to develop their staff to be confident in using the school grounds across the science curriculum Development of pupil independence in choosing when and why to take their learning outside the classroom boundaries With a shift from indoors to outdoors, comes a range of practical considerations and challenges for both the school and the pupil and these are what the book tackles. It is a must read for students on ITT courses and Key Stage 2 teachers who are keen to move their settings forward and provide appropriate progression throughout the primary years.

Four thematic units cover topic in-depth: How Objects Are Alike and Different, How Objects Move, How Objects Change, and How Objects Are Made And Used.

This book provides a range of insights into pupils’ learning relevant to the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in primary science. The contributors, who are all experts in their field, draw on practical and theoretical perspectives and: Provide specific examples of software and hardware use in the classroom Consider innovative and creative uses of technology for pupils engaged in science activity in the primary and early years Indicate future possibilities for the use of computer-based technologies Key themes running through the book include: setting the use of ICT in primary science within theoretical perspectives on learning and on pedagogy; the importance of using ICT in developing talking and listening opportunities in the science classroom; and the potential of learning through ICT enhanced science investigations. Contemporary issues such as inclusion, creativity and collaborative learning are also examined, making Teaching and Learning Primary Science with ICT essential reading for students in science education, and for teachers who want to use new technology to improve learning in their science classrooms.

* How do primary teachers incorporate all the facets of science in their teaching? * How do primary teachers plan and replan their science teaching in the light of how children are learning? * How do primary teachers retain lively and imaginative science teaching within the constraints of a specified curriculum? This book is about the very best of primary classroom practice in science; six teachers, six schools, six science topics, with children from ages five to eleven years. The teaching and children's learning are described in a straightforward style, richly illustrated by pen and ink drawings made from photographs, and by examples of children's work. The author has provided a commentary on the particular classroom examples by linking them to a wider discussion of science in primary schools and by sharing the teachers' own rationale for their decisions. The book was written initially for beginning teachers, but experienced teachers who reviewed the drafts, welcomed the combination of 'real' classroom examples coupled with a more theoretical commentary. Above all, they welcomed the essence of the book which, as the opening sentence indicates, is "about creativity in teaching and a celebration of the skills and expertise of primary teachers in the area of science." The book will be invaluable reading for both trainee and practising primary school teachers.

Review of 1st edition "I found the whole account a model of clarity with a good blend of theory and practice which many authors would do well to note" Ted Wragg, TES The First Years at School (2nd Edn) is a practical and reflective discussion of the education of 4 to 8 year olds based on a sympathetic recognition of the complexities of being an early years teacher. Angela Anning begins by reviewing the historical and ideological traditions of British infant and primary schools, tracing how we have reached the position where teachers feel themselves to be torn between child-centered and utilitarian demands in educating young children. She then provides a detailed and authoritative critique of recent thinking about the cognitive, social and emotional development of children, and explores the complexities of teachers' roles. She discusses the organization of the classroom, the structuring of learning in the school day and the content of the curriculum. She tackles the implications of the series of changes in the National Curriculum Orders and the national assessment systems for seven year olds and their impact on pre-fives and children with special educational needs. The second edition brings the debate about the post Dearing Key Stage One curriculum and its implications for pre-school education bang up to date. This will be vital reading for both student and practising teachers of young children.