Teaching, Learning & Assessing Science 5-12 is a new and totally revised edition of Teaching and Learning Primary Science . The author provides a theoretical rationale for why science should be taught in particular ways, and ideas and examples of how to do it. The opening chapters show how children learn, and discuss the nature of the goals of teaching science to children aged from five to 12 years. It is teachers' understanding of these things that determines the kind of learning experiences they provide for children.

Evidence is given to support a constructivist view: a view of learning which recognizes that children already have ideas about the world around them, formed from their everyday experiences and everyday ways of thinking. The teacher's role is to help children to build their understanding and change their ideas towards the more scientific view.

In science, this means through inquiry, which involves first-hand investigation of materials, the use of books and other resources and discussion. Several chapters describe and illustrate aspects of the teacher's role in bringing about this learning, including planning and providing learning resources.