Integrating the Concept of Time into Science Curriculums
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How to Successfully Integrate the Concept of Time into Your Science Curriculum
When planning an exciting and successful Science Week celebration around the concept of time, it’s imperative that the standout theme has an impact on your classroom. The below insights and recommendations should be carefully considered.
How does the concept of time relate to your existing curriculum? For example, many curriculum units lend themselves to looking at time in different contexts. Map these contexts carefully so that teachers know how this concept is developing across the school.
Did you know? Our Primary Science Scheme of Work can help you do this?How does the week broaden and deepen pupils’ understanding of the concept of time? What other vocabulary should be identified across the school which will promote rich language connections throughout the week?
How might pupils explain and share their thinking verbally and in written form throughout the week? With their peers, parents etc.
How can you deepen the relevance of pupils’ learning to real-word contexts? For example, science in the news, the jobs people do. Map these across the school and share.
If adding additional activities around the concept of time, start from a clear rationale of what you want the children to learn and then choose the activity.
Pitfalls to Avoid!
Pupils taking part in practical activities without having secured the necessary substantive knowledge to explain what they were observing.
Ill-conceived practical activities which increase complexity and divert pupils’ attention from the science to less relevant aspects of the activity. This can make learning key points harder for pupils.
One-off, ‘fun’ experiments which do not build understanding.
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And finally, remember that:
"Pupils' success in learning science and, as a result, their perception of being 'good' at it, are crucial for developing their interest in the subject."
In other words, you find things fun that you can do. And so, this Science Week, please carefully consider how the science lessons you're preparing can help all students to develop a secure understanding of the subject, leading to enjoyment and success in their science learning journey. Growing a generation of science enthusiasts is how you, as teachers, can build a future of budding scientists.
"Teaching scientists who are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future."
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