Alan Cross – författare

Creative Ways to Teach Primary Science draws on the best ideas about teaching primary science, using an evidence-based approach which recognizes that there are some proven and more effective methods for teaching primary science.

Creativity is one of the most powerful indicators of successful teaching, and the key is a willingness to take risks and to accept uncertainty. This can be tricky for busy teachers, so this book lends you a helping hand! The authors explain why the methods presented are successful and encourage you to apply these creative techniques to new situations.

The book:

At last, a unique book that explores and exploits the links between primary mathematics and science so that you can promote learning in both of these important STEM subjects!  Rich in engaging ideas and activities for the classroom this book helps you plan and teach well-structured lessons in a more integrated way.

The book outlines key curriculum topics in both subjects and considers why it is important and beneficial to make connections between the two.  As well as covering key subject knowledge (what you need to know) and teaching activities (what you need to do), the book explores learners’ mathematical and scientific needs, and defines the characteristics of effective teaching and learning, bringing it all together with ideas which you can use straightway in your classroom.

Key features:

• promotes an informed approach to integrating primary mathematics and science teaching• helps address the time constraints of delivering the primary national curriculum• presents engaging ideas which can be directly transferred to the classroom• provides a real-life context to mathematics and science activities to inspire student learning• helps you combine two closely related and sometimes tricky subject areas – why teach one subject when you can teach two at the same time!

"Accessible, readable and engaging with a range of innovative teaching ideas, this is an invaluable book for all trainee and qualified primary teachers and other educational professionals with links to primary mathematics and science.A great 'go to' book for teachers and trainee teachers alike.Chapters are constructed with easy to read objectives and clear summaries.  Many practical ideas, incorporating current research, as well as information on mathematicians and scientists, which is great for boosting children’s aspirations and also helping with teachers’ confidence on the subjects.

A lovely, easy to access book, whether it is to use for reference, to dip in and out of or just to use alongside planning materials."Maria McArdle, Senior Lecturer PGCE & Mathematics Lead (Primary), University of Bedfordshire, UK

Highly respected and widely used, Essential Primary Science 2E blends essential subject knowledge with a vast array of teacher activities. Updated and revised throughout to reflect the requirements of the new National Curriculum, it covers the essential knowledge and understanding that you need; plus it offers over 200 great ideas for teaching primary science at KS1 and KS2 - so no more late nights thinking up creative new ways to teach key concepts!

Written in a friendly and supportive style this new edition offers:

Whether it is in the National Curriculum or the Teachers' Standards, promotion of children's curiosity is highlighted as a key part of effective teaching. Curiosity has the potential to enhance learning in all curriculum subjects but it has a special connection with scientific thinking.  A curious approach can open up learning in science, computing, design technology and mathematics.  This text explores how teachers can harness the power of curiosity in their classroom. Full of practical teaching ideas for engaging learners and making lessons more exciting, it highlights the ways in which STEM subjects can be taught together.Coverage includes:

Whether it is in the National Curriculum or the Teachers' Standards, promotion of children's curiosity is highlighted as a key part of effective teaching. Curiosity has the potential to enhance learning in all curriculum subjects but it has a special connection with scientific thinking.  A curious approach can open up learning in science, computing, design technology and mathematics.  This text explores how teachers can harness the power of curiosity in their classroom. Full of practical teaching ideas for engaging learners and making lessons more exciting, it highlights the ways in which STEM subjects can be taught together.Coverage includes:

How can teachers help children to develop reasoning skills?What is reasoning and how do we teach it?Much is being said in schools and education about the importance of reasoning skills. This book explores what reasoning is and what it is not. It includes examples of how reasoning in primary mathematics and science classes can develop. It shows how a connection between the 'skills' of mathematics and science can help children to gain a better understanding of reasoning.

With links to classroom practice and examples of effective teaching throughout, this book not only provides an exploration of what reasoning is and why it's important—it also show you how to develop children's reasoning skills in your classroom.

How can teachers help children to develop reasoning skills?What is reasoning and how do we teach it?Much is being said in schools and education about the importance of reasoning skills. This book explores what reasoning is and what it is not. It includes examples of how reasoning in primary mathematics and science classes can develop. It shows how a connection between the 'skills' of mathematics and science can help children to gain a better understanding of reasoning.

With links to classroom practice and examples of effective teaching throughout, this book not only provides an exploration of what reasoning is and why it's important—it also show you how to develop children's reasoning skills in your classroom.