This is essential reading for all primary science trainee and beginning teachers who want to strengthen their science subject knowledge. Each chapter tackles a major theme of the new national curriculum and breaks it down into key concepts. For each concept there is a detailed audit to help readers identify their current levels of knowledge and understanding along with areas for development. This is followed by concise definitions, key terminology, detailed examples and ‘in practice’ ideas to clearly relate theory to classroom practice. Finally, readers are invited to re-check their understanding and assess their level of competence at the end of each section. The text enables teachers to feel secure in their subject knowledge and confident about effectively conveying that information to their pupils through appropriate subject-specific pedagogy.

Vivian Cooke is a senior lecturer in primary science education at the University of Worcester. She began her teaching career as a primary school teacher with responsibility for science, design and technology and ICT. She has worked in two other higher education institutions as a senior lecturer in science on postgraduate, undergraduate and Masters’ courses as well as being course leader for early years, primary and the two-year PGCE.

Colin Howard is a senior primary lecturer in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) at the University of Worcester. He has been involved in primary education for over 24 years of which 14 years has been as a successful head teacher in both small village and large primary school settings. He has been involved in inspecting schools for the Diocese of Hereford as a S48 SIAS Inspector. He has recently been awarded a Phd linked to his interest in the influence that school buildings have upon their stakeholders.