Connecting Primary Maths and Science: A Practical Approach


Book Description

At last, a unique book that explores and exploits the links between primary mathematics and science so that you can promote learning in both of these important STEM subjects! Rich in engaging ideas and activities for the classroom this book helps you plan and teach well-structured lessons in a more integrated way. The book outlines key curriculum topics in both subjects and considers why it is important and beneficial to make connections between the two. As well as covering key subject knowledge (what you need to know) and teaching activities (what you need to do), the book explores learners’ mathematical and scientific needs, and defines the characteristics of effective teaching and learning, bringing it all together with ideas which you can use straightway in your classroom. Key features: • promotes an informed approach to integrating primary mathematics and science teaching • helps address the time constraints of delivering the primary national curriculum • presents engaging ideas which can be directly transferred to the classroom • provides a real-life context to mathematics and science activities to inspire student learning • helps you combine two closely related and sometimes tricky subject areas – why teach one subject when you can teach two at the same time! "Accessible, readable and engaging with a range of innovative teaching ideas, this is an invaluable book for all trainee and qualified primary teachers and other educational professionals with links to primary mathematics and science. A great 'go to' book for teachers and trainee teachers alike. Chapters are constructed with easy to read objectives and clear summaries. Many practical ideas, incorporating current research, as well as information on mathematicians and scientists, which is great for boosting children’s aspirations and also helping with teachers’ confidence on the subjects. A lovely, easy to access book, whether it is to use for reference, to dip in and out of or just to use alongside planning materials." Maria McArdle, Senior Lecturer PGCE & Mathematics Lead (Primary), University of Bedfordshire, UK




Connecting Primary Maths and Science: a Practical Approach


Book Description

At last, a unique book that explores and exploits the links between primary mathematics and science so that you can promote learning in both of these important STEM subjects! Rich in engaging ideas and activities for the classroom this book helps you plan and teach well-structured lessons in a more integrated way. The book outlines key curriculum topics in both subjects and considers why it is important and beneficial to make connections between the two. As well as covering key subject knowledge (what you need to know) and teaching activities (what you need to do), the book explores learners' mathematical and scientific needs, and defines the characteristics of effective teaching and learning, bringing it all together with ideas which you can use straightway in your classroom. Key features: * promotes an informed approach to integrating primary mathematics and science teaching * helps address the time constraints of delivering the primary national curriculum * presents engaging ideas which can be directly transferred to the classroom * provides a real-life context to mathematics and science activities to inspire student learning * helps you combine two closely related and sometimes tricky subject areas - why teach one subject when you can teach two at the same time! Accessible, readable and engaging with a range of innovative teaching ideas, this is an invaluable book for all trainee and qualified primary teachers and other educational professionals with links to primary mathematics and science.




Primary Science


Book Description

Why is science hard to teach? What types of scientific investigation can you use in the primary classroom? Touching on current curriculum concerns and the wider challenges of developing high-quality science education, this book is an indispensable overview of important areas of teaching every aspiring primary school teacher needs to understand including: the role of science in the curriculum, communication and literacy in science teaching, science outside the classroom, transitional issues and assessment. Key features of this second edition include: • A new chapter on science in the Early Years • A new practical chapter on how to work scientifically • Master’s-level ‘critical reading’ boxes in every chapter linking topics to relevant specialist literature • Expanded coverage of creativity, and link science to numeracy and computing This is essential reading for all students studying primary science on initial teacher education courses, including undergraduate (BEd, BA with QTS), postgraduate (PGCE, School Direct, SCITT), and also NQTs. Mick Dunne is Senior Lecturer in Science Education at Manchester Metropolitan University Alan Peacock is Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter




Teaching Thinking Skills Across the Primary Curriculum


Book Description

This book presents a practical and universal framework for the teaching of thinking skills and problem-solving across the primary curriculum, using examples of topics from the National Curriculum, classroom techniques, and tried-and-tested activities which systematically develop pupils' thinking and problem-solving skills. While accommodating the need of all learners to develop effective thinking skills, the book also caters to the need to differentiate learning activities to extend the more able learners. Written by a team of teachers who recognize the day-to-day problems that face their colleagues in the classroom, this accessible, jargon-free book will be welcomed by teachers, SENCOs and ABCOs alike.




Connecting Mathematics and Mathematics Education


Book Description

This open access book features a selection of articles written by Erich Ch. Wittmann between 1984 to 2019, which shows how the “design science conception” has been continuously developed over a number of decades. The articles not only describe this conception in general terms, but also demonstrate various substantial learning environments that serve as typical examples. In terms of teacher education, the book provides clear information on how to combine (well-understood) mathematics and methods courses to benefit of teachers. The role of mathematics in mathematics education is often explicitly and implicitly reduced to the delivery of subject matter that then has to be selected and made palpable for students using methods imported from psychology, sociology, educational research and related disciplines. While these fields have made significant contributions to mathematics education in recent decades, it cannot be ignored that mathematics itself, if well understood, provides essential knowledge for teaching mathematics beyond the pure delivery of subject matter. For this purpose, mathematics has to be conceived of as an organism that is deeply rooted in elementary operations of the human mind, which can be seamlessly developed to higher and higher levels so that the full richness of problems of various degrees of difficulty, and different means of representation, problem-solving strategies, and forms of proof can be used in ways that are appropriate for the respective level. This view of mathematics is essential for designing learning environments and curricula, for conducting empirical studies on truly mathematical processes and also for implementing the findings of mathematics education in teacher education, where it is crucial to take systemic constraints into account.







Learning to Love Math


Book Description

Is there a way to get students to love math? Dr. Judy Willis responds with an emphatic yes in this informative guide to getting better results in math class. Tapping into abundant research on how the brain works, Willis presents a practical approach for how we can improve academic results by demonstrating certain behaviors and teaching students in a way that minimizes negativity. With a straightforward and accessible style, Willis shares the knowledge and experience she has gained through her dual careers as a math teacher and a neurologist. In addition to learning basic brain anatomy and function, readers will learn how to * Improve deep-seated negative attitudes toward math. * Plan lessons with the goal of "achievable challenge" in mind. * Reduce mistake anxiety with techniques such as errorless math and estimation. * Teach to different individual learning strengths and skill levels. * Spark motivation. * Relate math to students' personal interests and goals. * Support students in setting short-term and long-term goals. * Convince students that they can change their intelligence. With dozens of strategies teachers can use right now, Learning to Love Math puts the power of research directly into the hands of educators. A Brain Owner's Manual, which dives deeper into the structure and function of the brain, is also included—providing a clear explanation of how memories are formed and how skills are learned. With informed teachers guiding them, students will discover that they can build a better brain . . . and learn to love math!







Enhancing Professional Knowledge of Pre-Service Science Teacher Education by Self-Study Research


Book Description

Self-study research is making an impact on the field of science education. University researchers employ these methods to improve their instruction, develop as instructors, and ultimately, impact their students’ learning. This volume provides an introduction to self-study research in science education, followed by manuscripts of self-studies undertaken by university faculty and those becoming university faculty members in science teacher education. Chapter authors range from those new to the field to established researchers, highlighting the value of self-study research in science teacher education for every career rank. The fifteen self-studies provided in this book support and extend this contemporary work in science teacher education. They, and the subsequent reflections on professional knowledge, are organized into four sections: content courses for preservice teachers, elementary methods courses, secondary methods courses, and preparation of future teacher educators. Respondents from various locations around the globe share their reflections on these sections. A culminating reflection of the findings of these studies is provided at the end of the book that provides an overview of what we have learned from these chapters, as well as a reflection on the role of self-study research in the future of science teacher education.




Creativity in the Primary Classroom


Book Description

‘A highly practical overview of creative teaching and learning for both novice and seasoned primary teachers; this second edition features useful content on the new National Curriculum in England, such as possibilities for creativity in different subjects and consideration of creative assessment. In a nutshell, super-accessible and inspiring!’ -Emese Hall, PGCE Primary Lead & MA Creative Arts in Education Tutor, University of Exeter Creativity is an integral element of any primary classroom, and the new curriculum allows greater freedom than ever before to incorporate this in your teaching. Being a creative teacher involves generating new ideas, reflecting upon and evaluating different teaching approaches, and establishing an environment that supports creativity in your pupils. Filled with ideas, activities and reflective tasks and underpinned by relevant theory, this practical book explores how to develop as a creative teacher, empowering you to implement your own engaging and inspiring approaches to planning, teaching and assessment. Drawing from detailed real-life examples, this second edition includes: · Updated links to the new National Curriculum and Teachers’ Standards · More guidance for each curriculum subject area · Increased coverage of assessment and creative teaching for differentiation