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Three activities aimed at helping children to
learn about the ways in which scientific knowledge
develops, from the collection and analysis of
data and the interpretation of evidence to the
development of new scientific ideas and models.
The emphasis here is on science as an activity
that involves creativity and imagination.
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Full teacher notes on three activities:
Investigating correlational data explores the
links between data sets. The teachers' notes clearly
set out the lesson's aims and learning objectives. The
activity requires the pupils to interpret a table of
data showing how far some 10-14 year olds can swim in
two minutes. Ways of representing the data graphically
are illustrated, accompanied by notes for teaching points.
Help is given with questions to ask to decide whether
the evidence is conclusive. Suggestions for extension
activities are included.
Measuring paper aims to show that there is no
such thing as a 'right answer' in science. It does this
through a simple activity that raises many issues and
discussion points. Teaching is clearly sequenced with
key questions identified.
How we see presents pupils with two alternative
theories to explain how we see objects and gives pupils
the opportunity to consider the evidence for both the
everyday and scientific views. Two approaches to managing
the discussion are suggested, along with teacher prompts
to keep the discussions focused. There are also suggestions
for two follow up activities.
Investigating correlational data contains a
table of data that will need reproducing for the pupils'
use. How we see has evidence for the competing theories
as a print off sheet to support the pupils' discussions.
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