Science for Primary and Early Years is a comprehensive guide to the subject knowledge requirements for the teaching of science in early years settings and primary schools. This second edition consists of activities to help the reader extend their own understanding of science. Part One explores understanding the nature of science, processes of planning, carrying out and evaluating scientific investigations, collecting and using data, hypothesizing, predicting, fair testing, use of correct terminology and understanding health and safety as well as key ideas in science that underpin subject knowledge. Part Two builds on these ideas as it explores in more detail life and living processes, the environment, electricity and magnetism, light, sound and the earth in space.

This text is part of the series Developing Subject Knowledge which covers English, Mathematics and Science and provides authoritative distance learning materials on the national requirements for teaching the primary core curriculum, working with the early years and achieving qualified teacher status. It is designed for initial teacher training, experienced practitioner self-study, and will help towards GCSE revision.

This is a set book for the Open University Course, ′Ways of Knowing: language, mathematics and science in the early years′.

Jane Devereux is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at The Open University. She is a biologist who has taught in both secondary and primary schools and been an advisory teacher for Primary Science. She has considerable experience of initial teacher training where she taught science and was closely involved in teaching and learning issues and school partnerships. She has been Course Director for both PGCE and undergraduate routes to Primary QTS and taught on Master′s courses. Her research and publications centre on science, teaching and learning and early years.