7th Edition

The Teaching of Science in Primary Schools

By Wynne Harlen OBE, Anne Qualter Copyright 2018
    414 Pages
    by David Fulton Publishers

    414 Pages
    by David Fulton Publishers

    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.

    Part 1: Compelling Reasons for Teaching Science in Primary Schools Chapter 1: The importance of primary school science Chapter 2: Primary school science curricula in the UK Chapter 3: Primary science in action Chapter 4: Experiences for learning science Part 2: About Children's Learning Chapter 5: What we know about children's learning Chapter 6: Children's ideas Chapter 7: Learning through talking Chapter 8: Learning through inquiry Chapter 9: Learning with ICT Part 3: The Teacher's Roles Chapter 10: Teachers' and children's questions Chapter 11: Helping progression in scientific ideas Chapter 12: Helping progerssion in inquiry skills Chapter 13: Teaching for enjoyment, motivation and scientific attitudes Part 4: Assessment and Learning Chapter 14: Assessment purposes Chapter 15: Gathering evidence to help learning Chapter 16: Interpreting and using evidence for feedback Chapter 17: Children's role in formative assessment Chapter 18: Summative assessment and reporting Part 5: Planning Environments for Learning Science Chapter 19: School level planning Chapter 20: Class level planning Chapter 21: Sources and resources for practical inquiry Chapter 22: Providing for leanring outside the classroom Chapter 23: Inclusive science education Part 6: Formative Evaluation of Practie Chapter 24: Evaluating provision at the class level Chapter 25: Evaluating provision at the school level Chapter 26: Enhancing provision for children's learning in science Questions for discussion

    Biography

    Wynne Harlen, OBE, PhD, has been involved in teaching and research in science education, evaluation and pupil assessment throughout her long career, during which time she has been Sidney Jones Professor of Science Education at the University of Liverpool, UK and Director of the Scottish Council for Research in Education.

    Anne Qualter, PhD, is Head of the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Liverpool, UK.