Teaching primary science: chemistry NE005
Develop your knowledge and discover how to address pupil misconceptions when teaching chemistry in primary science.
Summary
Teach primary science effectively by developing your subject knowledge and confidence in key science topics: materials and their properties, states of matter and changes in materials.
Through the course, we will demonstrate common misconceptions children may have and show how to identify and overcome them through practical activities.
Who is it for?
This online course is for primary teachers and trainee teachers for primary education (pupils aged 5-11 years). Teaching assistants may also be interested in developing their subject knowledge through this course. The English National Curriculum will be referred to, but teachers will be able to apply subject knowledge to their own curricula.
What topics are covered?
This course covers:
- common misconceptions about dissolving, melting and irreversible reactions
- exploring changes in materials through practical work
- activities to elicit children’s misconceptions about states of matter, materials and their properties
- true false statements, odd one out and sorting activities
- scientific vocabulary
How will you learn?
This course is not facilitated. You can learn independently or with colleagues to directly address your individual needs.
How long is this course?
This course takes around 9 hours to complete and you do not need to be online at any specific time. You can take the course at your own pace.
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
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identify the importance of good subject knowledge when teaching primary science
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develop personal subject knowledge of chemistry
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apply subject knowledge of chemistry to class teaching of pupils aged 5-11 years old
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explore practical activities to teach scientific concepts in the primary curriculum
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identify common misconceptions children may have in primary science concepts
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develop teaching strategies to identify and overcome children’s misconceptions
Notes