Misconceptions in Primary Science

This essential book offers friendly support and practical advice for dealing with the common misconceptions encountered in the primary science classroom.

Most pupils will arrive at the science lesson with previously formed ideas, based on prior reasoning or experience. However these ideas are often founded on common misconceptions, which if left unexplained can continue into adulthood. This handy book offers advice for teachers on how to recognise and correct such misconceptions.

Key features include:

• Examples from the entire range of QCA Scheme of Work topics for Key Stages 1 and 2
• Practical strategies to improve pupils’ learning
• Support for teachers who want to improve their own scientific subject knowledge

Michael Allen describes over 100 common misconceptions and their potential origins, and then explains the correct principles. He suggests creative activities to help students to grasp the underlying scientific concepts and bring them alive in the classroom.

This easy to navigate guide is grouped into three parts; life processes and living things; materials and their properties; and physical processes.

Michael Allen is Lecturer in Science Education at Brunel University, UK and has a PhD in science education.

Michael Allen is Lecturer in Science Education at Brunel University, UK and has a PhD in science education.