Primary PGCE Science (2020-2021)

Welcome

Science is one of the core subjects in the Primary National Curriculum. In most schools it will be taught every week and it covers a range of subjects from Humans and other animals to Space. We have seen in the last few months how important it is to have an understanding of science and Working Scientifically is at the heart of the science curriculum. The syllabus for the UoH PGCE science programme is built around eight key questions:

- What is Science in the primary school?
- What does it mean to investigate in science?
- How does science progress from EYFS to Year Six?
- How do we plan to teach science?
- What ways are there of teaching science?
- How do we assess the teaching or science?
- How do we resource science?
- What supports teaching of science in the wider curriculum?

Ways of working

The first part of the course will be taught via online and remote methods - this is not ideal but these are unusual times. The core subjects, including science, will have focus days. The day will change but there will be a structure for these days (see later in this booklet).

You will working in various ways across the year ...

You'll be accessing online lectures and seminars - working (virtually) with the whole cohort.

You'll be working remotely with a small group of colleagues

You'll be working remotely at home on tasks and activities - check the home equipment list!

And of course you'll have reading and note-taking

What is science?

There are two interlinked elements to science - scientific knowledge and working scientifically. Both of these are important and we look for children's progression in each. There are four key areas in 'working scientifically'.

Asking Questions

Children will ask questions about the world and use questions provided by the teacher. These questions should be rooted in their scientific knowledge.

Observing

Children will look at the world around them, which will inform their questions. They will use all their senses and technology to support their observations. They will use their science knowledge.

Planning & carrying out investigations

Children will carry out investigations - ones they plan themselves or ones planned by their teacher. They will use the other skills to develop and build their science knowledge.

Recording and Analysing data

Children will collect data/evidence from their observations and investigations. They will use technology and analyse this data to draw conclusions about the world.

The Science Curriculum

Whilst you can cover more than the content of the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017) and/or the National Curriculum (2013) below are areas suggested for each Key Stage.

EYFS: Three of the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) are relevant to science: People and Communities (ELG 13), The World (ELG 14) and Technology (ELG 15). For more on this see the support website.

Key Stage One: Children should explore Plants (Y1/Y2), Animals including humans (Y1/Y2), Living things and their habitats (Y2), Everyday materials (Y1/Y2) and Seasonal Changes (Y1).

Key Stage Two: Children should explore Plants (Y3), Animals including humans (Y3-Y6), Living things and their habitats (Y4-Y6), Evolution and Inheritance (Y6), Rocks (Y3), Properties of materials (Y5), Light (Y4/Y6), Sound (Y4), Forces and Magnets (Y3, Y5) Electricity (Y5) and Electricity (Y4/Y6).

The teaching day

This year is going to be a little strange as we will be working remotely. We will have subject 'days' where you will focus on one of the core subjects building both your pedagogic and content knowledge - there will be a lot of self-motivated and self-regulated learning - but also opportunities to work collaboratively.

You'll be accessing online lectures and seminars - working (virtually) with the whole cohort [Register taken]

There will then be some tasks, activities to do at home (or wherever you are!) this might include reading, reflecting, carrying out an investigation (you'll be told beforehand what you need)

Time for lunch!

This will be a time to reflect on the morning's work, write up your notes, audit your own developmental needs & and add to your ideas folder.

You will now do some work in your 'bubbles' (small groups) and write a short collective reflective piece including questions on your group blog page and post any questions you have onto the session's Padlet page.

Final session back together for questions to be answered and comments. [Register taken]

Synchronous working

Asynchronous working

Science @ home

We will ask you to carry out some investigations and experiments at home - these will use only things you can find around the house [I hope!] - these will be fun to do and you can do them with your children [if you have any!]. Some of the things it will be useful to have shown below and there is a more detailed list at this link.

A collection of small, sortable objects such as lego, or buttons, or blocks

A small plant or two to grow - or some soil and seeds.

Start collecting some recyclable materials - cardboard, paper, bottles, yoghurt pots etc...

Children's toys are useful to have such as cars, clockwork toys, balls etc...

And we'll be using 'kitchen chemicals' like vinegar, bicarb, sauce, salt and sugar!