PGCE Primary Science

Specialist Programme

2013-2014

Dear Trainee

I’m looking forward to meeting you all in the week beginning 23rd September for what I hope will prove to be an exciting and rewarding year for you.. You will have had a similar letter to this giving information about core science but as science specialist trainee you may also like to choose to read a few books from the science specialist texts.

You will be given a Science Specialist Study Guide during your first week which details the nature of the module plus a full reading list and information about the assignment.In the meantime familiarise yourself with the current National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Science for both Key Stage 1 and 2. Also during your preliminary experience, compare and contrast how science is taught across different age groups.

There are a number of field visits throughout the programme including a residential visit to Escot Education Centre early in the Autumn Term. During these two days you will experience Forest School education for science teaching and also for cross-curricular links to other subjects. The cost of this residential last year was £40 which included food and an overnight stay in Yurts. You will need to make sure that you have adequate warm clothing, footwear (‘wellies’) and waterproofs for all field visits. You will also need to bring a sleeping bag for the residential weekend.

With best wishes

Dr Rob Bowker

(Primary Science course leader)

Science Specialist Texts:

Braund, M. & Reiss, M. (ed.) (2004) Learning science outside the classroom. London: RouledgeFalmer.

Brunelle L. (2004) Pop bottle science: 79 amazing experiments and science projects, New York: Workman.

Cross, A. & Bowden, A. (2009) Essential Primary Science, Maidenhead: Open University Press.

De Boo, M. (2004) The Early Years Handbook, Sheffield: The Geographical Association.

Jeffs,T. & Smith M.K. (2005) Informal Education- conversation, democracy and learning, Nottingham: Educational Heretics Press.

Littledyke, M., Ross, K. and Lakin, L. (2000) Science Knowledge and Environment. London: David Fulton.

Louv, R. (2009) Last Child in the Woods, London: Atlantic Books.

Peacock, A. (2004) Eco-literacy for Primary Schools. Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books.

Porrit, J. (2000) Playing Safe: Science and the Environment, London: Thames & Hudson Ltd.

Shallcross, T., Robinson, J., Pace, P., Wals, A. (Eds) (2006) Creating Sustainable Environments in our Schools, Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books.

Smith, B. (2005) The science you need to know: Hatfield: ASE.

Waite, S. (ed.) (2011) Children Learning Outside the Classroom: from Birth to Eleven. London: Sage.

Wenham, M. (2001) 200 Science Investigations for Young Students: Practical Activities for Science 5-11, London: Paul Chapman Publishing.

Wenham, M. (2005) Understanding Primary Science: Ideas Concepts & Explanations (Second Edition), London: Paul Chapman Publishing.