1st Edition
Working Scientifically A guide for primary science teachers
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.
Introduction
Chapter 1: What is ‘working scientifically’?
Chapter 2: Raising questions, predictions and planning
Chapter 3: Observations, measurements and recording
Chapter 4: Interpreting, analysing and concluding
Chapter 5: Reflecting and evaluating
Chapter 6: Assessment
Bibliography and references
Appendix 1 - Self- assessment sheets
Appendix 2- Teacher assessment sheets
Appendix 3- Planning mats
Appendix 4- Launch pad activities
Appendix 5- Support sheets
Biography
Kevin Smith has worked in science education for 26 years and is Assistant Head Teacher in a cross phase special school. He is also a Consultant and Lecturer on Primary Science Initial Teacher Training courses in a number of universities in London, UK.
"By using the book, teachers will discover the tools and resources that are necessary for teaching science in a fun and exploratory way; the book is so well explained that even non-scientists will be able to easily follow and understand the concepts [...] There are plenty of activities to try out, and these are clear and easy to follow, and full of inspiration. The book also provides a large number of assessment sheets, plus guidelines and these will be very well received by teachers. - Sarah Brew, Parents in Touch
