Practical work in primary school science

The project is led by Professor Sarah Earle, in collaboration with Dr Stuart Read and the University of Manchester’s Professor Lynne Bianchi and Dr Julie Jordan.

Practical work is viewed from a uniquely primary perspective, to consider its use in science lessons with young children. Drawing on a scoping literature review examining 195 documents, 231 responses to a stakeholder survey and 34 teacher interviews, this research makes three key contributions to the field: a new definition, a prioritisation of purposes and a model for pedagogy.

The Purposeful practical work in primary science report provides full details of the research. The report begins with an executive summary, briefly explaining the new guidance. Case studies are included to demonstrate practical work in primary schools from across the UK. Further exemplification is being created in the next phase of the project.

This summary video provides an accessible means for sharing the guidance.

Further information

Find out more about the project on the Nuffield Foundation website. 

If you would like to get in contact about the research please email primary.science@bathspa.ac.uk

For SEERIH at The University of Manchester visit the SEERIH website or email fascinate@manchester.ac.uk