Research in primary science education

In this brief review the focus is primarily upon what research has revealed about children's learning in science, and how this is reflected in approaches to teaching. It is possible to give only a glimpse of the extensive research into young children's ideas and to state some of the conclusions arising from it. The aspects of teaching considered are those that are significant in taking account of children's ideas and development: children's and teachers' questions; the role of 'hands on' investigations; and teachers' own understanding in science. Finally there is a preview of areas in which research is only just beginning - into the role of computers, the potential for cognitive acceleration and the implementation of formative assessment.