Teaching Science Creatively
By Dan Davies
Routledge – 2011 – 160 pages
How can you unlock your own creativity to help children learn science creatively?
How do you bring the world of ‘real science’ into the classroom?
Where does science fit in a creative curriculum?
Teaching Science Creatively explores how creative teaching can harness primary-aged children’s sense of wonder about the world around them. It offers innovative starting points to enhance your teaching and highlights curiosity, observation, exploration and enquiry as central components of children’s creative learning in science.
Illustrated throughout with examples from the classroom and beyond, this book explores the core elements of creative practice supporting both teacher and children to develop their knowledge and skills. Key themes include:
Stimulating and accessible, with contemporary and cutting-edge practice at the forefront, Teaching Science Creatively introduces new ideas to support and motivate new and experienced primary teachers. It is an essential purchase for any professional who wishes to incorporate creative approaches to teaching science in their classroom.
'A very timely publication…to inspire students to try creative approaches. Thorough discussion of different aspects of creativity; readable for students; and lots of examples of classroom practice that students can relate to.' – Sharon Harris, Senior Lecturer Primary Science, University of Brighton, UK
‘With dialogic teaching and collaborative activity firmly at its core, Teaching Science Creatively conveys the essence of creativity in science and how the excitement and sense of awe and wonder generated through it can be captured and put to good use. Dan Davies’ passion and enthusiasm is evident throughout this book, an essential purchase for all working in the primary sector and enrolled on courses of initial teacher training.’ Professor John G. Sharp, Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln, UK
'Undoubtedly a comprehensive review of all things creative in primary science. Dan Davies provides both theoretical and practical support to teachers and students looking to learn about the key issues associated with adopting a creative approach to teaching creatively and for creativity. A text for all seasons – to inspire, to question and to kick-start one’s own creative explorations in science teaching.' - Dr Lynne Bianchi, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Introduction 1. Can Science be Creative? 2. Teaching Creatively and Teaching for Creativity 3. Teaching Science Creatively in the Early Years 4. Cross-curricular Starting Points 5. Creative Exploration: the New Zealand Model Ian Milne 6. Collaborative Science Enquiry 7. Using Language Creatively in Science 8. Using New Technologies Creatively in Science 9. Using the Outdoors Creatively in Science 10. The Wider Role of the Creative Primary Science Teacher Conclusion
Dan Davies is Head of Applied Research and Consultancy in the School of Education, Bath Spa University, UK.