Ideas & Support for new Primary Science Curriculum
Created by Nicola Beverley, Joanna Conn and
Zoe Crompton from the National Advisors and Inspectors Group.
New curriculum focus: Taking the new curriculum outdoors
Outdoor learning is a key focus in the new curriculum for primary science. This recent article from the latest issue of ASE’s Primary Science journal tells you how to overcome the barriers, ideas for outdoor classroom activities, how to go on a plant hunt and how to use outside space effectively (Author: Katherine Forsey, Primary Science 132 March/April 2014 pp 9-11).
How to teach focus: A simple interactive introduction to teaching genetic engineering
A science note from school science review about the process of genetic engineering to produce bacteria that can produce insulin. This simple interactive allows students to consider the problem, devise a model and test their model (Author: Paula Child School Science Review 351 Dec 2013 pp 16-18).
Practical science focus: The contribution of practical work to the science curriculum
Good practical work is intrinsic to good science teaching, but which practical work is good, and what can be done to make it better? (Richard Needham, School Science Review 352 March 2014 pp 63-69)
New curriculum focus: Getting goosebumps about teaching evolution
Evolution is a key component of the new curriculum’s ‘Life Processes’ subject. This is a guide for teachers about how to approach a sometimes controversial topic, how to manage misconceptions and allow for children to think for themselves (Author: Colin Foster, Primary Science 131 Jan/Feb 2014 pp 5-7).
New curriculum focus: Earth science – it’s all about the processes
Chris King from the Earth Science Education Unit outlines some activities that develop learning about Earth processes and the rocks they form through modelling and hands-on practicals (Author: Chris King, Primary Science 129 Sept/Oct 2013 pp 16-19).
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STEM careers focus: ‘I like science but it’s not for me’: the need to improve STEM careers education
What influences participation in science? Should we integrate STEM careers education at KS2-4? (Author: Louise Archer and Anthony Tomei, School Science Review 352 March 2014 pp 112-118). Free classroom resources to support STEM lessons are available to download: www.ase.org.uk/resources/stem-careers
Photosynthesis careers - Working with plants
After studying photosynthesis, students used web-based, film and practical activities to explore careers related to growing plants. They researched and planted vegetable seeds; explored the principles behind hydroponics; and took cuttings and grew them on.