Secondary Science 11 to 16
A Practical Guide
- Gren Ireson - Nottingham Trent University, UK
- Mark Crowley - Nottingham Trent University, UK
- Ruth Richards - Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center, USA
- John Twidle - Loughborough University, UK
Full of suggestions for exciting practical work to engage children, this book addresses and explains the science behind the experiments, and emphasises the need to engage the learner through minds-on activities. It shows you where to make links to the national curricula in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and it covers the three sciences: chemistry, biology and physics. The detailed subject knowledge helps you grasp key concepts, and there are lots of useful diagrams to illustrate important points.
Experiments include:
- extracting DNA from a kiwi fruit
- capturing rainbows
- the chromatography of sweets
- removing iron from cornflakes
- a plate tectonic jigsaw
These practical activities will provide you with ways to ensure your students respond enthusiastically to science, and the book will also help you develop your subject knowledge and ensure you meet your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) standards. Perfect reading for Secondary Science PGCE students, as well as those on the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP), this book is also ideal for non-specialists who are looking for support as they get to grips with the sciences.
Gren Ireson is Professor of Science Education at Nottingham Trent University. Mark Crowley is a Teaching Research Fellow in the Centre for Effective Learning in Science, Nottingham Trent University. Ruth Richards is Subject Strand Leader for the PGCE and Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses in Science at Nottingham Trent University, and an examiner for A-level Geology. John Twidle is Subject Leader for the PGCE and MSc Science programmes at Loughborough University.
'The book covers a wide range of topics across the secondary science curriculum in an engaging and accessible way, for both beginning teachers and those who are more experienced. The best
aspect of the book is the inclusion of creative and engaging practical work, which will provide an invaluable resource. I would certainly recommend the book to the PGCE and BSc Secondary Science trainee teachers that I work with' - Dr Tony Liversidge, Science Tutor and University Teaching and Learning Fellow, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire
Even though this book does not necessarily address our national curriculum need, it is very useful undergraduate students to see nice spectrum of topics and different activities. Practical for inservice teachers too
Not suitable for Scottish curriculum.
This book is really good for ideas for practical work.
PGCE trainees have dipped into this text during their course and use it as a reference for M level assignments. It has been added to their reading list in the course booklet.
A useful guide for science trainees in practical approaches to teaching science they may not be familiar with. Within the course we do not "teach" subject knowledge but this will be a useful reference source.
A good selection of topics for all three disciplines. The format is helpful with lesson objectives, self-test and good practiocal activities. Subject content and presentation are excellent. I also like the "How Science Works" insets. The chemistry section does not appear to have any HSW?
Overall a good book for begining teachers.
This is very useful for trainees who struggle with some of the more challenging concepts that they are required to teach. The book is well laid out and is easy to follow. The suggested practical activities are concise, but cover all the points necessary. Ideal for trainees on a PGCE secondary course, subject knowledge enhancement course, or for use by current teachers.
Have asked our library to buy 10 copies.
Would like this as an e-book if possible.
A very useful book, though limited - perhaps due to page number or perhaps on purpose - to some well known practicals - more would have been good e.g. on photosynthesis about which there is nothing
