Primary Science - Classroom Organisation

This video considers different organisational strategies for teaching science in the primary classroom. These include managing whole class introductions and practical investigations as well as different types of group work. Advantages and disadvantages of each organisation are presented. Viewers are encouraged to think about how to choose the most appropriate strategy.

The video particularly focuses on the need for organisation before a lesson and how the teacher might optimise the learning and assessment of the children during the activities. The video is illustrated with a variety of classroom examples.

Types of Organisation

1: Whole Class - Introduction, practical activity, sharing science books, demonstration, drawing the lesson together

2: Group Work - Groups doing different practical activities, circus of different activities, one group only doing science

Think about - Making the lesson relevant and stimulating. What needs to be done before the lesson. What equipment is available. How can it be organised. The childrens experience of group work. Time available. What will you do in the lesson

The organisation you will choose will depend on - What you want the children to learn. What experience the class already have of group work. The time, equipment and materials available

Your planning should include - What you need to collect and set out. Introducing the work. What the children will do. Monitoring and assessing their learning. Helping children of different abilities. Concluding the lesson

The video was written and produced by Tina Jarvis, Frankie McKeon and Jon Shears from SCIcentre and University of Leicester ITS Multimedia Services. It was made with the kind cooperation of St Marys CE Primary School, Bitteswell, Leicester. Special thanks go to Linda Cork and Penny Vernon.