Event 

Purposeful practical work in primary science

Wednesday 26 March, 2025 – Wednesday 26 March, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Online

About this webinar

Practical work can fulfil many purposes in the primary science classroom, but which should be the focus, and how do we know if practical work has been used effectively?

In this session, we'll briefly explore findings from the literature, a national stakeholder survey, and teacher interviews, to draw conclusions about purposeful practical work.

Examples of practice from project teachers will be used to exemplify effective use of practical work. Links will be made to a wide range of resources for supporting practice in primary science, together with the launch of new guidance arising from the Nuffield project to support effective practical work in primary science. 

Webinar aims

  • To consider a range of possible purposes for practical work in primary science.
  • To explore examples of practice from across the UK.
  • To share a range of resources for supporting primary science practice.

Key takeaways

  • Insights into the latest research on effective practice in primary science.
  • Examples of strategies and resources that can be used and shared across school.

About the speaker

Sarah Earle is Professor of Primary Science Education at Bath Spa University. Previously a primary school teacher for 13 years, she moved into initial teacher education in 2012.

She now leads a range of primary science projects supporting in-service teachers across the four nations of the UK, including Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS), the Focus4TAPS professional learning programme, and Nuffield Foundation research into primary science practical work. 

About this series

BSUEd Insights is a monthly CPD series for education practitioners on a range of topics.