Teaching Primary Science

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.

Brings teaching primary science to life, with dedicated chapters for chemistry, physics, biology and earth and environmental science.

The essential teaching theory and practice text for primary science. Covering the skills of planning, monitoring and assessment and class management, it relates these specifically to primary science. With full coverage of the theory and practice required for effective and creative science teaching, this text is an essential guide for all trainees working towards QTS. Throughout, practical guidance and features support trainees to translate this learning to the classroom, embed ICT in their lessons and to understand the wider context of their teaching. This Sixth Edition includes links to the 2012 Teachers' Standards and notes on the new National Curriculum.

'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.

Primary Science: Promoting positive attitudes to conceptual learningis a full colour, core textbook to support, inform and inspire anyone training to teach Science at primary level. This book is a new kind of text linking subject knowledge and pedagogy in one package, rather than treating them as separate entities. The text aims to encourage trainee teachers to teach scientific concepts in contexts which will inspire the children to look at the world in new and intriguing ways, rather than presenting it as a list of facts and definitions. Encouraging critical reflection and offering practical support, this book will help trainee teachers to overcome negative attitudes to Science. The two part structure of the book first presents insights into the nature of science and science education, exploring issues such as the value and purpose of teaching Science in the primary school and the value of scientific enquiry. It then moves on to cover subject knowledge, relating it to pedagogy.

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.

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

Teaching Primary Science Constructively helps readers to create effective science learning experiences for primary students by using a constructivist approach to learning. This best-selling text explains the principles of constructivism and their implications for learning and teaching, and discusses core strategies for developing science understanding and science inquiry processes and skills. Chapters also provide research-based ideas for implementing a constructivist approach within a number of content strands. Throughout there are strong links to the key ideas, themes and terminology of the revised Australian Curriculum: Science. This sixth edition includes a new introductory chapter addressing readers' preconceptions and concerns about teaching primary science.