Thursday, March 11, 2010
  Search

Document Information

Title:Science Education for Primary Children  
Science Education for Primary Children - Suggestions for Teachers

Description: 
This 12 page document outlines science ideas about the Living World, Natural Features of the World, Space, the Physical World and the Material World that are appropriate for primary school children.  It also contains notes and suggestions to enable teachers to implement a science programme that encompasses these ideas.

About: 
This material was originally written by Dr Fred Biddulph for Selwyn School (Rotorua, New Zealand) and Glenview School (Hamilton, New Zealand).  Fred Biddulph was a primary teacher for many years, and was the Research/Project Officer for the University of Waikato-based Learning in Science (Primary) Project. His doctorate was in Science Education. He also lectured in science education at the University of Waikato, NZ.

Ordering the Science Education resources

Please download and complete the Order Form. (Costs and ordering procedures are detailed on the Order Form.)

Order Form (in PDF)

 TitleModified DateSize 
Science Education Order Form16/12/200847.32 KBDownload

Extract from 'Science Education for Primary Children'

NOTES FOR TEACHERS

1. Origin of ideas and suggestions
Many of the following ideas and suggestions are derived from the research of the government-funded Learning in Science (Primary) Project at the University of Waikato, 1982-84. The research is just as relevant today as when it was first established more than 20 years ago.

2. Nature of Science
Fundamentally, science consists of two related things:

  • The ideas scientists have constructed over the years to try to explain our natural/physical world and space. Those relevant to primary children are listed in this document.
  • The processes scientists use to investigate and to generate these explanations.  These scientific processes are what distinguish scientific inquiry from other forms of inquiry, and it is crucial that children experience and begin to develop them as part of their learning in science.  An approach that enables primary children to do this is set out in Section 4 below.
Copyright (c) 2010 The Biddulph Group