Assessing Science in the Primary Classroom: OBSERVING ACTIVITIES

This book examines the value of systematic observation in assessing pupil performance in science. The origin and criteria for these skills are described, together with examples of children′s actions and words which can be taken as evidence of process-based working.

The Science Process Observation Categories (SPOC), the instrument used for observation in the STAR project, and procedure for its use, is described. SPOC′s main purpose was to assist in developing strategies for improving opportunities for process skills in science activities, and to evaluate the impact of these

interventions.

Professor Wynne Harlen is one of the key international figures in primary science. She was most recently head of the Scottish Council for Research in Education and is now retired.