Science: A STEM Approach Year 4

STEM education prepares pupils for the roles of the future with skills such as innovation, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving, plus technical science skills such as questioning, observing, experimentation and analysis and interpretation of data. The UK government promotes a cohesive approach to delivering the STEM subjects at secondary school and these books aim to give children a foundation in these subjects at primary level. Science: A STEM Approach is a series of books designed to enhance the teaching of science by: • boosting teacher confidence in delivering both science learning and STEM activities; • providing practical solutions to using readily available resources; • developing opportunities for pupils to explore their own ideas and learning; • ensuring a range of opportunities to develop scientific skills through practical activities, observing, recording and measuring; and • promoting active learning, enquiring, exploration and the testing out of ideas. The books build on the successful model of integrating STEM into the curriculum through teaching the science part of a topic and then following this with two to three weeks completing a technology and/or engineering project. By the end of Year 6, pupils will be well prepared for secondary school, particularly in the areas of science, technology and engineering. Each book in the series features: • four units with four STEM projects, organised by strands—biological science, chemical science, environmental science and physical science; • a medium-term plan and easy-to-follow lesson plans for each unit; • ideas for incorporating technology in the classroom; • background information for the teacher; • resource sheets; and • a range of assessment activities. Each unit also includes a STEM project that links the science knowledge and skills learnt with aspects of engineering, design and technology, information technology and mathematics. Each STEM project also includes: • a design brief; • STEM curriculum links; • alternative project ideas; • advice on assessing STEM skills, understanding and processes; and • resource sheets. Each unit is fully referenced to the national curriculum, making the books an ideal supplement to an existing science scheme or as the basis for which to build science teaching and learning throughout the school.