If you’re teaching primary school science, then here are some essential websites that you should have bookmarked. These lessons provide practical ideas, teaching resources and support for assessment and planning. They form an essential part of any primary science teachers toolkit!
1. Explorify
Explorify does a fantastic job of providing interactive activities that spark curiosity and encourage discussion. Favourite activities include “Odd One Out” challenges as well as “Zoom In, Zoom Out” and “Big Questions” that get the children thinking. The best part? Explorify is entirely free, making it a go-to resource for teachers on a budget.
2. PLAN Assessment
PLAN Assessment offers a comprehensive set of resources to help you plan and assess science. It includes knowledge matrices, which outline key learning outcomes, along with vocabulary lists and resources for identifying common misconceptions students may have. There’s an excellent progression document for Working Scientifically as well as support for EYFS science. Most of the resources are totally free.
3. CIEC (Centre for Industry Education Collaboration)
Bringing real-world science into the classroom can inspire young learners, and CIEC excels at this. It offers practical, real-world science lessons that connect industry with education, giving students a sense of how science works outside the classroom. A collaboration with York University, it’s an excellent bank of downloadable science booklets.
4. Royal Society of Chemistry
For those teaching the materials strand in years 1 to 5, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) offers a wide range of resources, from lesson plans to interactive activities. There’s lots of useful guides, downloads and videos to support all aspects of teaching materials.
5. IOP Spark (Institute of Physics)
Physics can be a challenging subject to teach, but IOP Spark offers a wealth of resources designed to make it accessible and fun. The site has comprehensive support, including explanations of common misconceptions in physics, helping teachers clarify complex concepts.
(Also, check out resources from The Ogden Trust for additional physics content.)
6. Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS)
Plants are an essential part of the primary science curriculum, and SAPS is my number one site for teaching resources in this area. Whether you’re exploring plant life cycles or environmental science, this resource offers hands-on activities and comprehensive lesson plans.
7. PHET Interactive Simulations
Interactive learning can be incredibly effective, and PHET offers free simulations that allow students to engage directly with science concepts. From forces and motion to energy and atoms, students can explore science through interactive models that help solidify their understanding.
8. Twig Science Reporter
Keeping science current and relevant is important, and Twig Science Reporter brings the latest scientific news into your classroom in an engaging way. This resource provides teachers with articles and videos that help students connect what they learn to the world around them.
Also check out BBC Newsround, Twinkl News Room, and Time for Kids for similar content.
9. Reach Out CPD
For teachers looking to build their own subject knowledge, Reach Out CPD offers free science CPD (Continuing Professional Development). With modules on various topics, it’s perfect for brushing up on tricky areas or expanding your knowledge. Disclaimer – I wrote this, but I do think it’s excellent!
10. Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT)
The PSTT provides an incredible selection of resources aimed at improving science education. Their EYFS resources are particularly useful for early years teachers, while their Bright Ideas resources and TAPS assessments help teachers develop enquiry-based learning in the classroom.
11. Great Science Share
If you’re looking for a way to inspire student-led learning and questioning in science, Great Science Share is an excellent resource. It provides tools for creating engaging activities and resources that encourage students to ask questions and share their findings with others. A great resource, even if you don’t take part in the actual Great Science Share events.
Bonus: Wakelet of Science Links
I’ve put together a Wakelet with loads more links for Science. You can access it here: https://wakelet.com/@SCITT_Science_Resources_Primary4236
And if you’re a primary science lead, then check out this post of essential websites for primary science leads
If you have any other sites you think are essential, please add them to the comments.
The post Top 10 Essential Websites for Primary Science Teachers appeared first on Danny Nics Science Fix. Written by Danny Nicholson