Understanding Children's Ideas in Science

Understanding Children’s Ideas in Science: 40 probes for raising misconceptions and developing understanding in primary science. When teachers are starting on a new topic in science it’s important to see what ideas the children already have.

If we can get children thinking, talking and sharing their ideas we can learn a lot about how to pitch the following lessons. This book contains 40 ‘probes’ which are classroom ready activities across a wide range of science topics.

Aimed at teachers of children aged from 7 to 11, the materials also include guidance on how to interpret responses, reference to research on misconceptions and suggestions as to how the insights gained can be used to plan follow up lessons. Drawing on the hugely successful American series ‘Uncovering Students’ Ideas’, these probes have been adapted for use in a wide range of settings. Understanding Children’s Ideas in Science is accompanied by a downloadable resource pack.