Exploring Science with Young Children

Terry Russell is emeritus professor at the University of Liverpool. He is a psychologist by background and training with a special interest in cognitive development as applied to the learning of science at all ages, but especially the younger age range. He taught in primary and secondary special needs schools and worked as an educational psychologist before finding opportunities into move into research. He has worked in Southeast Asia and Africa and at King’s College, London and directed the Centre for Research in Primary Science and Technology at the University of Liverpool for over twenty years. He has directed national and international projects and published extensively. This book reflects his commitment to evidence-based activity that improves teachers’ and pupils’ educational experiences, where theory informs practice through practical and accessible applications. Dr Linda McGuigan has an established record of research into the emergence and development of science understanding in the Early Years. Formerly a primary teacher and Deputy Director of the Centre for Research in Primary Science and Technology at the University of Liverpool, Linda has conducted and managed research into children’s conceptual development in science, assessment and curriculum development. Attracting national and international interest, her work has been funded by national assessment and curriculum agencies. She has co-authored a number of books, reports, articles and digital and hard copy materials to support Early Years practice. Focusing on children’s conceptual progression, she brings a developmental perspective to science learning, teaching and assessment. Linda’s PhD investigated the impact of multimodal approaches on children’s science learning.  Multimodal learning continues to be an important feature of her research and professional development activities. 

CHAPTER 1: Introduction
CHAPTER 2: The Nature of Early Years Science
CHAPTER 3: Finding Out Children′s Ideas
CHAPTER 4: Developing Conceptual Understanding in Science
CHAPTER 5: Working Scientifically and Developing Science Inquiry Skills
CHAPTER 6: Encouraging the Expression of Ideas
CHAPTER 7: The Uses of Technology to Support Learning
CHAPTER 8: Planning, Assessment and Record Keeping