Learning and Teaching Primary Science

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.

1. Making sense of primary science Kathy Smith and Angela Fitzgerald; Part I. Looking at Learners of Primary Science: 2. Breaking down the barriers to learning science Dayle Anderson and Azra Moeed; 3. Engaging all learners in science Kimberly Wilson and Brian Lewthwaite; 4. Making links between science and the learner's world Amy Cutter-Mackenzie and Marianne Logan; 5. Capturing the interest of the technologically savvy science learner P. John Williams and Mike Forret; Part II. Thinking Like a Teacher of Primary Science: 6. Grappling with teaching science as content, process and human endeavour Rena Heap; 7. Tools for supporting the learning and teaching of science Karen Murcia; 8. Learning and teaching science through assessment Bronwen Cowie; 9. Integration and innovation in teaching science Wan Ng; Part III. Putting Primary Science Into Practice: 10. Living world: learning and teaching biology Prem Kurup; 11. Material world: learning and teaching chemistry Gail Chittleborough and Peter Hubber; 12. Planet Earth and beyond: learning and teaching Earth and space sciences Leah Moore; 13. Physical world: learning and teaching physics John Kenny and Marj Colvill; 14. Making science work in the primary classroom Dawn Garbett.