Science experiments 'are essential for primary pupils'

July 12 2010

It is essential that primary school pupils carry out science experiments in order to gain a good understanding of the subject.

This is according to Libby Steele, head of education at the Royal Society, who said there needs to be "an appropriate amount of practical work" in the curriculum.

"In primary school, if you go outside and find a mini beast then you'll watch the way it walks, what it's doing and you will remember far more than reading about it in a book," she commented.

If we lose children early, it is very difficult to get them interested in subjects like science and maths at a later stage, Ms Steele explained.

Children have an innate curiosity and want to learn about the world around them, so it is important not to switch this off at a young age, she added.

A report published last week by the Royal Society recommended that every primary school have a specialist science teacher.

News brought to you by TimePlan, First for teaching jobs in the UK

Want to learn more about teaching in the UK?

News Homepage