This article presents an interview with Sharon Macnab and Jillian Boag of Glasgow Science Centre, who discuss the work of their centre and the Scottish Science Centres network. The Scottish Science Centre is a network of four science centres across Scotland: (1) Glasgow Science Centre in Edinburgh; (2) Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh; (3) Sensation…

For as long as people have sought to understand the world in which they live, stories have played an important role in helping to clarify and communicate their ideas. In ancient times, stories such as the four humours of the body provided a way of explaining health and disease. In the modern world, stories have largely been replaced by rational,…

The "Countryside Live!" events, organised by the Countryside Foundation for Education (CFE), provide a unique opportunity for urban children to explore a whole new area of possibilities and learning, through becoming aware at first-hand of what goes on in the countryside. The event at Staunton Country Park, Havant, Hampshire, which took…

This article discusses how a regular walk in the wind or the rain can help develop science knowledge and skills. The author describes one "welly-walk" and links it to National Curriculum for England requirements so that readers can see how easy it is. (Contains 1 figure and 1 box.)

"Real" science is about formulating and trying to solve practical and conceptual problems on the basis of shared beliefs about the world. Scientists build theories and test hypotheses by observation and experiment. They try their best to eliminate personal bias, and are "extremely canny in their acceptance of the claims of others" (Ziman, 2000).…

Liberating and channelling the energy and enthusiasm of young children as they explore their world motivates teachers to reflect on their science-teaching practices. This was the claim the authors made at the start of an early-years science project funded by the Astra-Zeneca Science Teaching Trust. Their aims were to develop case studies of…

The national curriculum in Japan is termed the Course of Study, the revised version of which was implemented in 2000 for kindergarten, or nursery schools, and since 2002 for elementary or primary schools. The Course of Study for Science specifies content only in broad terms, placing the greatest emphasis on process, learning to learn and…

Primary science in Scotland has got the wind in its sails. The Scottish science education initiative, "Improving Science Education" (ISE) 5-14, has invested millions in professional development (CPD) materials and experiences for science teachers, harnessing and developing their enthusiasm for effective learning and teaching in science.…

Most early years practitioners heed this advice--"Well planned play, both indoors and outdoors, is a key way in which young children learn with enjoyment and challenge (DFEE/QCA, 2000, P. 25)--and provide environments in which children can play. Sefton LEA wanted staff to provide opportunities for children to construct "places to…