The Art of Teaching Science has proven itself to be one of the most popular introductory texts for Australian pre-service and in-service teachers, providing guidance on engaging students and helping develop scientifically literate citizens. Beginning with an examination of the nature of science, constructivist and socio-cultural views of teaching and learning and contemporary science curricula in Australian schools, the expert authors go on to explore effective teaching and learning strategies, approaches to assessment and provide advice on the use of ICT in the classroom. Fully revised and updated, this edition also reflects the introduction of the AITSL professional standards for teachers and integrates them throughout the text. New chapters explore: •a range of teaching strategies including explicit instruction, active learning and problem-based learning; •the effective integration of STEM in schools; •approaches to differentiation in science education; and •contemporary uses of ICT to improve student learning. Those new to this text will find it is deliberately written in user-friendly language. Each chapter stands alone, but collectively they form a coherent picture of the art (in the sense of creative craft) and science (as in possessing the knowledge, understanding and skills) required to effectively teach secondary school science. 'Helping each new generation of school science teachers as they begin their careers is crucial to education. This is the updated, third edition of this valuable textbook. It contains a wonderful range of inspirational chapters. All science teachers, not only those at the start of the profession, would benefit from it, in Australia and beyond.' Michael J. Reiss, Professor of Science Education, University College, London

In this ground-breaking book science education is explored as a learning continuum across all years of schooling from Foundation to Year 12. The expert authors, members of Monash University's Science Education Research Group, seek to build pedagogical and content expertise by providing both a level of support and challenge for all teachers based on current research and best practice. The text considers key issues including: what the learner brings to the science classroom; what primary and secondary teachers can learn from each other; the constructivist perspective and its value in learning science; context-based science education; the structure of the Australian curriculum and science education policy; teacher identity; the nature of scientific knowledge; principles of assessment and understanding the role of ICT in science teaching and learning. Featuring case studies and practical examples in each chapter, this book provides pre-service teachers with the understanding and tools to ensure their students are engaged and inspired in science education throughout their school years.

The author describes the dimensions of the current crisis in science education, arguing that this has arisen because school science has failed to adequately respond to the changing needs of students, or the changing nature of science and the world it serves. He charts student concerns with classroom science content and pedagogy, arguing that the way forward involves broadening the purposes of school science and expanding the voices speaking to the curriculum. New and broader approaches to teaching and learning are advocated, and perspectives and knowledge required by teachers are discussed. Some models of pre-service science teacher education and school-based professional learning are proposed. [Back cover, ed].

A comprehensive introduction to the rapidly growing area of middle schooling, for teachers, teacher education students and school administrators.

Designed to prepare future educators for practice, Science for Children challenges students and offers practical classroom-based strategies for their science teaching careers. It presents a wealth of science content across the birth-to-12-years continuum, demonstrating how science can come alive in the classroom.

If the status and quality of science education in schools is to improve, efforts need to be made to better understand the classroom practices of effective science teachers. Teachers are key players in a re-imagining of science education. This book explores how two primary school teachers, identified as effective practitioners, approached science teaching and learning over a unit of work. In recording the teaching and learning experiences in their classrooms, the author highlights how the two teachers adopted different approaches, drawing on their particular beliefs and knowledge, to support student learning in science in ways that were appropriate to their contexts as well as reflected their different experiences, strengths and backgrounds. Through sharing their stories, this book illustrates, that due to the complex nature of teaching and learning, there is no one way of defining effectiveness. In documenting this research, it is hoped that other teachers and teacher educators will be inspired to think about primary school science education in innovative ways.