Exploring the nature of science at Key Stage 3

Written for classes at Key Stage 3 (lower secondary), this book provides a resource of activities for Attainment Target 17 of the National Curriculum. It has been designed to fit in with normal classwork and each unit covers a spread of attainment targets (ATs 2-16 and also AT 1). The book is about ideas and theory-making - ideas which the early scientists proposed and those which pupils have today. It shows how scientific models work and gives pupils the chance to made their own predictions.

It describes how some of the accepted theories of science came to be adopted, and by seeking to develop imaginative and inquisitive thinking aims to avoid the impression that they will continue exactly the same for all time. Each unit consists of photocopiable pupil sheets and background notes for the teacher. The units are divided into "sessions", most of which cover a double lesson, and each session consists of either an investigation or a group discussion. The activities include drawing posters or cartoons, writing newspaper headlines, running a simulation, sequencing events and designing an investigation.