Resources/Primary

Pick your resource by topic:

• • [[Topics/Area|Area]]
• • [[Topics/Perimeter|Perimeter]]
• • [[Topics/Polygons|Polygons]]
• • [[Topics/Assessment|Assessment]]
• • [[Topics/Astronomy|Astronomy]]
• • [[Topics/Basic ICT skills|Basic ICT skills]]
• • [[Topics/OER4Schools|OER4Schools]]
• • [[Topics/Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa|Teacher Education Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa]]
• • [[Topics/E-safety|E-safety]]
• • [[Topics/Blogs|Blogs]]
• • [[Topics/E-skills|E-skills]]
• • [[Topics/Blogs|Blogs]]
• • [[Topics/E-skills|E-skills]]
• • [[Topics/Copyright|Copyright]]
• • [[Topics/E-skills|E-skills]]
• • [[Topics/Creativity|Creativity]]
• • [[Topics/Curriculum development|Curriculum development]]
• • [[Topics/Learning objectives|Learning objectives]]
• • [[Topics/Progression|Progression]]
• • [[Topics/Curriculum development|Curriculum development]]
• • [[Topics/Literacy|Literacy]]
• • [[Topics/Differentiation|Differentiation]]
• • [[Topics/Curriculum planning|Curriculum planning]]
• • [[Topics/Digital Art|Digital Art]]
• • [[Topics/Sharing practice|Sharing practice]]
• • [[Topics/Wikis|Wikis]]
• • [[Topics/E-safety|E-safety]]
• • [[Topics/QR codes|QR codes]]
• • [[Topics/Environment|Environment]]
• • [[Topics/Force|Force]]
• • [[Topics/Games|Games]]
• • [[Topics/Global education|Global education]]
• • [[Topics/Graph|Graph]]
• • [[Topics/ICT|ICT]]
• • [[Topics/Investigation|Investigation]]
• • [[Topics/Living things|Living things]]
• • [[Topics/Using images|Using images]]
• • [[Topics/Materials|Materials]]
• • [[Topics/Measuring|Measuring]]
• • [[Topics/Measuring|Measuring]]
• • [[Topics/Study skills|Study skills]]
• • [[Topics/OER4Schools|OER4Schools]]
• • [[Topics/Study skills|Study skills]]
• • [[Topics/Patterns|Patterns]]
• • [[Topics/Problem Solving|Problem Solving]]
• • [[Topics/Progression|Progression]]
• • [[Topics/Questioning|Questioning]]
• • [[Topics/Science|Science]]
• • [[Topics/Using images|Using images]]
• • [[Topics/Visualisation|Visualisation]]
• • [[Topics/Wikis|Wikis]]
• • [[Topics/Writing|Writing]]
• • [[Topics/Writing|Writing]]

Relevant resources

Assessment	Using Assessment to Raise Achievement in Maths
	Learning goals; self & peer assessment; effecting questioning; marking and case studies This resource explores approaches to assessment(ta) in maths, including the sharing of learning objectives(ta), group work(ta), whole class(ta) assessment, questioning(ta) and more. Four case studies serve as useful discussion prompts to share practice(ta). This .doc version of the QCA's 'Using assessment(ta) to Raise Achievement in Maths' allows schools to select parts of the document that are most relevant to them.
Astronomy	Stars in the sky: what's up?
	Use a software planetarium and encourage students to think about astronomy This activity offers an opportunity for whole class(ta) discussion(ta) and questioning(ta) centred around the use of the Stellarium. It also affords good opportunities for self-directed study or homework(ta) extensions, including perhaps the use of free mobile apps(tool) (see below). There are also opportunities for some cross curricula(i) discussion of geography (navigation by stars) and history or literacy in relation to the ancient world.
Basic ICT skills	Netbook familiarisation
Blogs	Digital Reporters at Camp Cardboard
	Children using iPads to blog about Cardboard Sculptures This activity is a cross curricula(subject) activity, involving a collaborative(tool) approach, giving children the opportunity to work together on a blog. Children were encouraged to engage in group talk(ta) and discussion(ta) in the classroom to reflect on the activity they were to report on. The activity furthers e-skills(topic) and e-safety(topic) through the use of whole class(ta) participation. The specific art activity provided a great stimulus for the blogging. Equally, however, this approach could be applied to any event in or out of school. The use of blogging and social media gave the opportunity for children to share their ideas with a wider audience, and also gave opportunities for real-time feedback to their work. The use of hand-held technology also enabled active learning(ta) as the portability of the iPads and iPods allowed them to be used outside the classroom.
Blogs	Getting a buzz out of blogging
	Starting with the basic principles of blogs(tool) and blogging, this primary course looks at their use within education and how they can be used to improve teaching and learning. The focus is particularly on blogs as an ICT(i) tool for collaboration(ta) which encourages the effective use of reasoning(ta) and language(ta). The unit also discusses practical elements such as e-skills(topic) and copyright(topic) issues you might encounter in blogging.
Creativity	Exploring the intersections of digital literacy and creativity
	A DEFT case study with Mundella Primary School, Sheffield This cross curricula(i) case study focusses on Digital Literacy, in particular using E-skills(topic) to: extend/update teaching skills and support CPD and explore the creative potential of digital technologies. The case study examines the potential of using mobile technologies to enhance creative aspects of learning. One of the lesson ideas from the case study is available as a separate resource at Creating Digital Paintings using iPads
Differentiation	Differentiation
	Developing effective techniques for differentiation by task and outcome The small group work(ta) nature of this task allows teachers to share ideas, and attempt to conceptualise two different types of differentiation(ta), together. It also encourages teachers to share practice(i)s in differentiation. Teachers are first asked to consider differentiation ‘by task’ by thinking about self-sustaining activities which pupils could manage with little support. They are also asked to consider differentiation by outcome, and ‘hierarchies of achievement’ for particular topics. The practical nature of the task offers a concrete outcome for teachers to take away and use in their practice both day to day, and in curriculum planning(topic). The resource could be used as a prompt to start teachers off, a comparator for teachers working on similar topics, or just as an additional set of possibilities.
Digital Art	Creating Digital Painting using iPads
	Children using iPads to create observational drawings of flowers This activity is a cross-curricular(subject) activity, that gives children to opportunity to work independently on an art activity that also encourages the development of E-skills(topic). This activity encouraged inclusion(ta) as the children's final work was displayed as a collaborative(tool) piece, where all children had the opportunity to make an equal contribution. In this instance, the children created observational drawings of flowers. However, the subject of the art could change to fit with any topic across the curriculum. The use of hand-held technology could also active learning(ta) as the portability of the iPads and iPods would allow them to be used outside the classroom, thus enabling observational drawings to be made in a range of locations.
Environment	Our Living Environment
	Wise up on ecology This study module, an online booklet, deals with the particular ways of thinking about and studying of the environment. It is a useful homework(ta) resource to encourage pupils to engage with key scientific vocabulary(ta) and use their knowledge of the scientific method(ta) to engage with inquiry(ta) learning.
Force	Force in the early years
	Thinking about the language of force This lesson idea highlights the scientific language(ta) around the topic of force, and through group work(ta) and whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) engages pupils in inquiry(ta) and the scientific method(ta) surrounding force.
Force	What floats and what sinks
	Is getting in the bath a way to lose weight? This activity supports a number of learning types: small group work(ta) - investigation conducted by small groups reporting back to the class. whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) - discussion of each situation open-ended questions(ta) – why did this happen? what do you think causes this movement? peer assessment(ta) – do peers agree? project work – linked in with the rest of the activities in this OER, topic work in design and technology, literacy, numeracy. inquiry(ta)-based learning – initial presentation to the class can be framed as a problem for them to solve; co-enquiry – children working collaboratively arguing and reasoning(ta) – persuading each other of their explanations. exploring ideas – developing understanding of key scientific principles.
Force	Building bridges from a piece of A4 paper
	A bridge too far... This activity supports a number of learning types: small group work(ta) - investigation conducted by small groups reporting back to the class. whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) - discussion of each situation open-ended questions(ta) – why did this happen? what do you think causes this movement? peer assessment(ta) – do peers agree? project work – linked in with the rest of the activities in this OER, topic work in design and technology, literacy, numeracy inquiry(ta)-based learning – initial presentation to the class can be framed as a problem for them to solve; co-enquiry – children working collaboratively arguing and reasoning(ta) – persuading each other about their explanations. exploring ideas – developing understanding of key scientific principles.
Force	Which material makes a good parachute?
	A simple investigation into parachutes and air resistance This activity supports a number of learning types: small group work(ta) - investigation conducted by small groups reporting back to the class. whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) - discussion of each situation open-ended questions(ta) – why did this happen? what do you think causes this movement? peer assessment(ta) – do peers agree? project work – linked in with the rest of the activities in this OER, topic work in design and technology, literacy, numeracy inquiry(ta)-based learning – initial presentation to the class can be framed as a problem for them to solve; co-enquiry – children working collaboratively arguing and reasoning(ta) – persuading each other about their explanations. exploring ideas – developing understanding of key scientific principles.
Force	What makes a good paper airplane?
	This activity supports these learning types: small group work(ta) - groups conduct an investigation and report back to the class. whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) - they discuss open-ended questions(ta): why did this happen? what do you think causes this movement? peer assessment(ta) – do peers agree? project work – the activity connects with others in this OER on forces, with literacy and numeracy and with topic work in design and technology. inquiry(ta)-based learning – an initial presentation to the class can be framed as a problem to solve; children work collaboratively (co-enquiry) arguing and reasoning(ta) – children persuade each other about their explanations. exploring ideas – the activity develops understanding of key scientific principles.
Force	Force
	Thinking about 'force' in the national curriculum This sessions engaged pupils in inquiry(ta) using the scientific method(ta) to explore force. It offers opportunity for teachers to use higher order questioning(ta), whole class assessment(ta) and to engage pupils in effective group work(ta) for investigation.
Games	Introduction to games
	This courses provides an introduction to games(tool) in the classroom. The course will focus on freely available online games, which can provide a starting point for exploring their use in the classroom without investment in hardware and software. At the conclusion of this course you will have engaged in lesson planning(ta), ready for implementation in your classroom.
Global education	A global dimension to science education in schools
	Science and technology beyond the Western world This study unit is aimed at teachers who would like to give a more global feeling to their teaching. It shows how to source articles with an emphasis on science and technology beyond the Western world and how to incorporate them into teaching the curriculum.
Graph	Variation of human characteristics - Visualising Class data
	A big survey of ourselves, measuring hands, feet and more The lesson offers the opportunity to explore measurement, relationships between measurement, and ways to visualise and summarise this data. The use of ICT(i) allows the teacher to enter data and for pupils to immediately see the impact this has on the pie chart and frequency tables (which are automatically updated). This also allows the teacher to change the 'range' for the frequency counts, and discuss with pupils the impact of this on the pie chart, and whether this is a good representation - encouraging the use of mathematical language(ta) and scientific method(ta) throughout. In collecting the data pupils have opportunity for some self-directed group work(ta) - to measure various lengths as described below - and the teacher could use whole class(ta) questions(ta) to explore the strategies taken to conduct this investigation(ta).
ICT	Primary Science Curriculum Activities with Sensors
	A compendium of investigations with sensors in primary science This resource provides a set of activities to engage pupils in inquiry(ta) based learning in the scientific method(ta), often making effective use of ICT(i) and sensors(tool). The activities involve whole class(ta) questioning(ta) and collaborative(ta) group work(ta).
ICT	IT in Primary Science
	A whole book of ideas for using generic ICT tools in science This book is a compendium of lesson ideas with ICT(i) as a key focus for use in inquiry(ta) based learning and the scientific method(ta). It offers opportunities for use of group work(ta) and collaboration(ta) as well as whole class(ta) questioning(ta).
ICT	Infant and Primary Science Activities with Sensors
	A compendium of investigations with sensors in primary science. This is a compendium of activities to engage pupils in inquiry(ta) based learning in the scientific method(ta), often making effective use of ICT(i) and sensors(tool). The activities involve whole class(ta) questioning(ta) and collaborative(ta) group work(ta).
Investigation	Persuasive argument and evidence-based conclusions about the best car
	Got a new motor? Talk about your investigation like a scientist This activity involving inquiry(ta)aims to develop children’s ability to support their conclusions with evidence. The teacher will model(ta) and encourage the use of the language(ta) that children require to discuss or present their data. The teacher can explain their rationale using the lesson below.
Learning objectives	Writing Learning Objectives in Primary Science
	How are learning objectives supposed to work? How can one achieve mastery in writing learning objectives? This resource encourages teachers to think about ways to link learning objectives(ta) to the curriculum which also helps to conceptualise their teaching schemes. It also helps children to understand what they are learning and what they are aiming for. The resource brings together key ideas, looking at specific outcomes from activities, vocabulary(ta), differentiation(ta), resources and curriculum development(topic) and short term planning(ta). It could be used as a 'refresher' on ideas when planning lessons.
Literacy	Developing Language in Primary Science
	The resource would be particularly useful for PGCE students thinking about incorporating cross-curricular(subject) strands, or teachers looking to do the same, either in their own practice or in new curriculum development(topic) work. Language development and the use of appropriate vocabulary(ta) is highlighted as important across the curriculum. Incorporating this consideration into science planning(ta) is important for meeting the target of developing language. The importance of language and talk in science – including through group work(ta), and Whole class(ta) dialogue – is highlighted elsewhere (and in the resource) but includes the ability to explain concepts, understand synthesising ideas (including those from other people and texts), and the need to read and write for different purposes, (including conceptual understanding, data presentation, etc). These are key ideas in communicating the scientific method(ta)
Living things	Classifying and organising living things using images
	Find different ways to classify living things This lesson offers opportunities to explore ways to classify living things as well as characteristics which might be relevant, and how to address difficulties that may arise when trying to classify things in this way. The activity may be enhanced by the use of ICT(i) software (e.g. Picasa) but could be carried out with paper-based resources. This lesson presents a good opportunity for small group work(ta) and some inquiry(ta) into how we classify; and why some classification methods might be more useful, or more scientifically interesting than others. There is also a good opportunity to use different sorts of questioning(ta); to encourage pupils to question each other; to engage in peer assessment(ta) and to focus discussion(ta) on the scientific method(ta) using key vocabulary(ta).
Materials	Heating and Cooling Materials
	What happens when you heat and cool materials. In this inquiry(ta)-based lesson plan, students devise a ‘fair way’ to compare (mostly) physical changes in materials such as cheese and chocolate. They ask and answer questions about how to heat the materials and about using materials of the same size and shape. They also predict how substances may change and observe what actually happens. The purpose of the lesson is to both support Year 2 students work on changing materials and to develop their ideas about ‘fair tests’. The activity thus offers an opportunity to assess(ta) how well students plan a test and observe change.
Materials	The Material World
	Exploring the properties of materials around us. Designed to encourage active learning(ta), this study module explores the properties of materials from everyday life. It also involves some simple inquiry(ta) and practical activities using household items.
Measuring	Measuring Light - Light and Dark
	Light can be light, dark or somewhere in between This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning(ta) on scientific method(ta) topics to engage pupils in an inquiry(ta) relating to the nature of light, its measurement, and the use of sensors.
Measuring	Thinking about measurement
	How big is it? Thinking about measurement This module introduces the uses and limitations of measuring size, as well as giving a taste of using distance learning(i) materials for higher education. This resource can serve as a useful revision of various measures, while providing helpful insight into active learning techniques, use of real life examples, the importance of technical language, and the importance of study skills(topic) (such as use of dictionaries, indexes, representation of information, etc.).
Measuring	Measuring Temperature - Cold and Hot
	Put a number on the meaning of hot and cold This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning(ta) to engage pupils in an inquiry(ta) relating on how to record temperature and the use of sensors.
Measuring	Measuring Light - Does light shine through everything?
	Using a sensor to see what's transparent and translucent This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning(ta) on scientific method(ta) topics to engage pupils in an inquiry(ta) relating to the nature of light, its measurement, and the use of sensors.
Measuring	Monitoring Temperature - Day and Night
	What happens to the room's temperature when I'm not here? This lesson involves the use of higher order questioning(ta) on scientific method(ta) topics to engage pupils in an inquiry(ta) relating to recording temperature and the use of sensors.
OER4Schools	Principles of interactive teaching
Patterns	Exploring Pattern
	Exploring patterns in mathematics Each chapter of this tutorial highlights the study skills(topic) required to work through the real world examples and activities given. There are problems to be solved, some of which involve higher order(ta) thinking skills (for example, being asked to correct a set of instructions), and all of which encourage the use of mathematical language(ta) and mathematical thinking(ta). The resource could also be used in class, or as a useful homework(ta) pack.
Polygons	Exploring properties of rectangles: Perimeter and area.
	Do two rectangles that have the same area also have the same perimeter? A problem to inspire higher order(ta) questioning(ta) especially in whole class(ta) dialogic teaching(ta) encouraging pupils to engage in mathematical thinking(ta) and language(ta). You could use Geogebra(tool) in this investigation, as an example of same-task group work(ta).
Problem Solving	Problem Solving in Primary Education
	Encouraging primary pupils to think about problem-solving. Problem-solving and reasoning(ta) are important skills to learn, and engage with in teaching. This document provides some guidance and practical examples on how to use problem-solving skills in the primary curriculum.
Progression	Progression and questioning techniques in primary science projects
	Measuring force and measuring progress. This resource provides an overview of the Year 6 scheme of work - 6E Forces in action and includes some experiment examples. The experiments could be run in class, with increasingly advanced objectives(i) including students' use of language(ta), the factors they discuss, the way they use equipment, assessment(i), etc. This resource can work as standalone lesson ideas / science projects /inquiry(i), or to illustrate progression of concepts through a scheme of work or curriculum planning(i) document.
Progression	Developing Progression in Primary Science
	Progression and the wonders of 'one-ness' and 'two-ness' A first part on ‘developing progression in science investigations’ could be used to prompt discussion on how far we expect pupils to develop, and the sorts of inquiry(ta) which encourage this. The second part, 'indicators of Level 1 and 2ness', provides a useful set of criteria for assessing national curriculum levels. These criteria prompt thinking about assessment(ta) levels in curriculum development(topic). A concrete outcome of the activity may be to keep such criteria in a mark book for day-to-day use.
QR codes	Editing Using QR Codes to Engage Children with Learning
	Children using digital literacy to engage with reading and writing This lesson idea uses technology to promote active learning(ta) as resources were produced to be located and explored in a public park. The early stage of the activity, involving the creation of the resources by the children, required discussion(ta) involving the whole class(ta). Group talk(ta) was also employed as a strategy, with the children agreeing on a narrative(ta) outline relating to the event. The creation of the online materials encouraged development of e-skills(topic). The later stages of activity, where the children were looking for clues, required them to ask questions(ta) and to take a collaborative(tool) approach to find a solution, based on the digital texts they found.
Questioning	Questioning Techniques in Primary Science
	Asking questions about what students saw, measured, understood. About what could happen, happened, should have happened... and more. This resource offers the opportunity to think about the appropriate questions to ask at various stages of investigation and how to ensure high quality questioning(ta) at these points. This is obviously an important classroom skill, one which has a strong impact on children's progression, yet which can often be lacking in classrooms which tend to focus on fact-based recall questions. This resource offers an opportunity to think about such an activity and some prompts for applying questioning techniques. Although they are written for science, these suggestions could be used as prompts for application in other subjects.
Science	Primary Science Investigation
	What is involved in 'doing a science investigation'? And what is there to assess? This resource describes the process of doing an investigation for inquiry(ta)-based learning. Teachers could share practice(i) and lesson planning(ta) ideas using the list of pupil skills (e.g. observing). It also lists learning goals for investigation skills (e.g. observing, predicting, problem solving) and ideas for exploring different types of practical work(ta) in science. It could be used for discussion(ta) or brainstorming on how to apply these skills to different content areas. The resource emphasises engaging pupils in the scientific method(ta) - using higher order(ta) thinking skills, group work(ta) and dialogue(ta) to facilitate knowledge building(ta)/reasoning(ta).
Using images	Organising images for a narrative
	Write an essay without words The lesson encourages students to think about how to portray their knowledge through narrative(ta) - which may engage some students who would usually be less interested. The lesson encourages students to think about how to capture valuable information and ensure that key elements are highlighted while not 'overloading' the viewer with data. The lesson can be tailored to any age group - for younger pupils the task could be to take before and after photos and label them. More advanced pupils might explore time-lapse photography. Pupils should be encouraged to think about how this relates to the scientific method(ta) The task is interactive and could be conducted as a group work(ta) activity or as an element of an inquiry-based learning project. It could also lend itself to whole class(ta) dialogue(ta) and the use of ICT(i) including 'clicker' response systems for assessment(ta) and questioning(ta).
Visualisation	Perimeter of a rectangle.
	Interactive GeoGebra investigation that allows children (age 6-10) to explore an element of mathematics for themselves.
Visualisation	Using visualisation in maths teaching
	Thinking about visualisation in education. This unit looks at visualisation(ta) as it relates to mathematics, focusing upon how it can be used to improve learning. It also identifies ways in which to make more use of visualisation within the classroom.
Wikis	Sharing ideas introducing wikis
	What do you need to know? We could make a Wiki page for that! When used properly, wikis(tool) are powerful tools that enable sharing of information and knowledge. This course explores how they can be used in the classroom to improve teaching and learning and enable collaboration(ta) on group work(ta) projects. It also covers important considerations such as e-safety(topic) and e-skills(topic) as well as ways to engage in sharing practice(topic).

Category:Primary Category:Resources