How to Teach Primary School Science

With the new science syllabus, the emphasis on hands on learning is massive. Personally, I find that due to this very reason, the foundation layer step is being taken quite lightly.

Hands on experimental learning enhances the understanding of the topics but the knowledge of the topics need to be there. It bring forth the empasis on theoretical knowledge which the child has learnt.
One approach would be,

1. Draw out a topical concept map. This would help your child in terms of remembering the key words to the particular concepts.

2. Immediately after the concept map is done, practice with MCQ questions first. This would allow the concept to sink in without the stress of writing out sentences. The more your child performs this, the more the concept will sink in. Remember, just do this topically do not mix topics.

3. Perform some simple science experiments with the child as this would help to anchor the concepts into their mental schema and understanding. At the same time, a visual anchor for the child would be a lot stronger in terms of retention. This is the time to impart the science process skills to them so that it will help them in the next step.

4. Review the concepts again and then practice with the open ended questions. The best would be with questions that has a set up for them to study. Once again, the more the better.

After the steps have been achieved, move on to the next topic. Prior to the termly assessment, review the topics again. You may also ask you child to redo the earlier practices as this allow the concepts to be refreshed in the mind.

And finally, do not forget that the child has to sit for a written exam at the end of the year. A balanced learning approach, theoretical and enhanced by hands on, would do a lot of good for them.

Regards,

NIEtrainedTEACHER