Understanding Primary Science
- Martin Wenham
- Peter Ovens - Nottingham Trent University, UK
Science Methods
"This is a useful and interesting resource book for primary teachers and would help to develop their knowledge and teaching of science - I will certainly be using it to inform my planning and teaching of the subject." - Juliette Green, Primary School Teacher, Environmental Education
"Every teacher, however well trained in science, will have areas of uncertain understanding. This book is a prime resource for primary teachers of readable, accurate and relevant explanations of scientific phenomena, supported by impressively clear drawings. It has been revised to include recent scientific developments such as DNA and environmental issues, and continues to give sound advice about likely misconceptions whilst maintaining its focus on explaining the science for teachers." - Wynne Harlen, Professor in Education, University of Bristol
Giving primary teachers the background knowledge they need to plan effective programs of work and answer children's questions with confidence, the Third Edition of this popular text now also includes a CD containing 200 science investigations, allowing teachers to explore the topics covered in the book with their pupils.
The book relates explanations of scientific theories and concepts with children's everyday experiences, helping teachers and trainees to think about how to present the topics, and includes lots of practical activities. It is also closely linked to the National Curriculum, with new Quick Guides on the CD clearly showing which sections of the book cover each part of each attainment target at Key Stages 1 and 2.
This is an essential book for student teachers, teachers, and anyone involved in science education.
Supplements
Praise for the second edition:
`This is a useful and interesting resource book for primary teachers and would help to develop their knowledge and teaching of science - I will certainly be using it to inform my planning and teaching of the subject' - Juliette Green, Primary School Teacher, Environmental Education
`Every teacher, however well trained in science, will have areas of uncertain understanding. This book is a prime resource for primary teachers of readable, accurate and relevant explanations of scientific phenomena, supported by impressively clear drawings. It has been revised to include recent scientific developments such as DNA and environmental issues, and continues to give sound advice about likely misconceptions whilst maintaining its focus on explaining the science for teachers' - Wynne Harlen, Professor in Education, University of Bristol
This book is a very useful reference book for student teachers, NQTs and experienced teachers in need of a bit of brushing up of their subject knowledge and further inspiration for models that can be used to support clear explanations of scientific concepts. Although published before the new national curriculum the book is clearly laid out in still relevant sections relating to working scientifically and to the subject knowledge which builds the foundations for biology, chemistry and physics. There are clearly labelled diagrams to support the explanations within the book with clear signposts to the practical and often kinaesthetic activities on the CD which would support the teaching and learning of concepts. I would suggest it is possible more helpful for teachers working in KS2 than KS1 but it still packed with ideas.
A rich selection of experiments for science education, additional material on CD.
Comprehensive and up to date. A good additional text to support our PGCE students.
Understanding Primary Science is an easy to read text that make Primary level science accessible to BEd/BA Education students. We use it now as an essential text at UWS to help direct students development towards being more confident in the delivery of primary science within their own classroom practice.
I really good read full of practical ideas for school practitioners.
Useful text to support primary teachers in planning and delivering CfE.
recommended this book on students reading list
This will be invaluable as a support text for our primary B.Ed Students who are choosing to specialise in science. Our first year module 'science education with physics and chemistry' will involve students in enhancing their own physics and chemistry background knowledge, amongst other things. Wenham's text is comprehensive and covers all the topics relevant to a deeper understanding of those topics as set out in the Irish Primary School Curriculum for Science. Further diagrams might possibly enhance this text in any future versions.
An excellent all round look at subject knowledge and pedagogy - essential for the prospective primary school teacher
New to the 3rd edition:
- A new author, Peter Ovens, on board
- More links to children's everyday experiences
- A CD Rom of 200 science experiments
- More student-friendly layout
- Additional illustrations and photographs
Sage College Publishing
