Common objects are made of materials that have obvious physical features which, although readily observable, may be overlooked by children. Helping young children to notice characteristic features -- scientifically referred to as properties -- equips them to discern common and distinct (diagnostic) features. Once children begin to recognise…

The authors think it is likely that there is no 'right' way to teach. They believe that some teaching approaches work better in some situations to achieve some goals. In this article the authors are proposing that the best way to improve primary science is for colleagues with different views to talk more -- and listen more. Specifically, the…

This article describes a force and motion unit that spanned four weeks (50 minutes a day) in a fifth-grade classroom. The inquiry-based learning progression mirrors Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development (1952) because it allowed students to manipulate materials and ideas as they actively constructed and reconstructed their knowledge of motion…

Sound is an interesting topic for physics lessons at all ages. However, it is difficult to illustrate this ubiquitous phenomenon and many models do not adequately represent the properties of sound and thus promote unwanted conceptions. The experiment presented here avoids this by visualising sound itself with the help of the schlieren technique.…

Charles Darwin would be pleased to know that elementary school children in states that have adopted the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) are expected to demonstrate their understanding of several core evolutionary concepts, including trait variation and inheritance, fossils and extinct organisms, common ancestry, natural…

The author recently delivered an online professional development session on running STEM clubs as part of a Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM, www.psqm.org.uk) Teaching and Learning Festival. It is a topic the author is often asked about, and she frequently provides training and advises teachers and external organisations on the what, why, how,…

Although the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) have three dimensions, the crosscutting concepts are often the forgotten dimension. One reason teachers may not emphasize the crosscutting concepts might be because they are broad, domain-general constructs that can be difficult to conceptualize in a meaningful way. Yet, when taught…

Educational initiatives in multiple disciplinary areas call for student engagement in the practice of argumentation (CCSSI, 2010a, 2010b; Mullis & Martin, 2017; NGSS Lead States, 2013; OECD, 2018). In science education, immersive argument-based inquiry (ABI) is one category of approaches which integrates argumentation in all classroom activity…

In this article, we present some practical tips primary teachers might use to help their students understand adaptations. We also aim to raise awareness of the learning progression towards understanding one of the big ideas of science. A key message is the role that language plays in presenting scientifically accurate ideas about adaptations.

The objectives of the research were: 1) to develop the lesson plans for "Weight and Measurement" of Mathematics by using Problem-Based Learning on TPACK MODEL based on the efficiency of the process and the overall result (E1/E2) at the established criteria of 75/75; 2) to compare the students' learning achievement in "Weight and…

Young children and science are a perfect fit, and now more than ever they need a strong foundation of science literacy. Early childhood science educator Cindy Hoisington makes a case for increasing quality science instruction in the early grades so that our next generation will become curious observers ready to tackle complex science issues and…

When it comes to winning the hearts of children, it is sometimes hard for plants to compete. How do teachers make plants exciting for children? The answer lies in the ancient practice of hydroponics. Hydroponics may seem like complicated, cutting-edge technology, but, in fact, it has been around for centuries. Using hydroponics in the classroom…

It has previously been argued that Augmented Reality (AR) has the potential to provide relevant digital information to support pupils learning in real-time through engaging formats. However, the use of AR in the classroom remains uncommon for mainstream adoption. This study uses a service design methodology to focus on a more holistic approach…

As content literacy intervention is expanded in schools, data-based decision-making practices need to also advance, especially in the areas of science. Vocabulary-matching curriculum-based measures (VM-CBM) may allow educators to identify students needing additional support in science vocabulary to assist with using and comprehending disciplinary…

Inquiry skills are universally recognised as being integral to a contemporary science education where students need to understand the nature of scientific practices as well as concepts. Although inquiry learning is a common practice among primary educators, the development and assessment of inquiry skills is far less practised. There is a need for…