Understanding Primary Science: Ideas, Concepts and Explanations

Kitemarked by the TTA `It will be a welcome companion to the many activity-related primary science programmes which have been published in the last ten years in England. It will fill a gap for teachers of primary science world wide too, as its examples are most generally available, and, though it complements The National Curriculum, it is not tied uniquely to it, either in the language it uses or the topics it includes′ - International Science Journal `The author has written a fine book which is a bold attempt to offer information and guidance to those teachers who declare a lack of confidence in their background knowledge of science′ - Primary Science Review `A publication such as this was long overdue and will be warmly welcomed by many. Highly recommended for schools and primary student teachers′ - Child Education Based on the requirements of The National Curriculum but not confined to them, the book sets out the facts, develops the concepts and explains the theories needed to understand the observations and investigations which children at primary level are likely to undertake. The aim has been to meet the needs of all primary teachers and their pupils, including those working towards the Attainment Targets at levels 4 and 5, as set out in the Statutory Orders issued in January 1995. This has meant a fundamental rethink of the way in which many science topics are approached and developed, in order to avoid the use of ideas and theories which are too abstract and remote from children′s and teachers′ own experience. Ideas and explanations are supported throughout by practical examples and demonstrations, most of which can be readily adapted for use in the classroom. The text does not assume a great deal of specialized scientific knowledge, but it does assume that readers will be willing to try things out for themselves and think again about experiences which they and their pupils may at present take for granted.

Table of Contents:
Science Investigation, Invention and Experiment Life and Living Processes Humans and Other Animals Plants Variety, Adaptation and Interdependence States of Matter and Physical Change Mechanical Properties of Materials and Objects Explaining Physical Changes Chemical Changes Obtaining and Making Materials Earth Science Weather, Rocks and Soils Energy Electricity Forces and Their Effects Gravity and Magnetism Sound Light The Earth in Space

About the Author :
Martin Wenham originally trained in plant biology and forestry, becoming a teacher in 1967, after four years in full-time research. His teaching experience has included work in secondary, primary and special schools, with pupils of all ages from 5 to 18. Between 1989 and 1998 he was a Lecturer in Primary Education at the University of Leicester, specializing in science and art.

Review :
`It will be a welcome companion to the many activity-related primary science programmes which have been published in the last ten years in England. It will fill a gap for teachers of primary science world wide too, as its examples are most generally available, and, though it complements The National Curriculum, it is not tied uniquely to it, either in the language it uses or the topics it includes′ - International Science Journal `The author has written a fine book which is a bold attempt to offer information and guidance to those teachers who declare a lack of confidence in their background knowledge of science′ - Primary Science Review `A publication such as this was long overdue and will be warmly welcomed by many. Highly recommended for schools and primary student teachers′ - Child Education