It seems reasonable to suppose that if the Earth has a fitting and appropriate attractive potency it will also have … More
Tag: education
The Versorium Needle
A draft extract from my book using narrative to teach the big ideas of physics: These are the utterly false … More
Six Big Ideas in Physics
Throughout my 21 years of teaching, physics teachers have been in short supply. There have always been science departments with … More
What Primary Teachers Want…. (Science Books)
“I want an engaging science book for my class.” “I want a science book that is related to the curriculum.” … More
Science Writers’ Circle
Children in schools should read brilliant science writing. They should have access to the best scientific ideas through excellent science texts; … More
Talking Science
This blog is the first of three on talking, reading and writing in science. Students like to talk. Even in … More
Writing to Learn (not Learning to Write)
Writing is a process of deep thinking. It slows and clarifies thought: paragraph by paragraph; sentence by sentence; word by word. … More
Where Are The Children’s Adaptations of the Great Works of Science?
Children get a great deal from novels, even challenging Victorian novels. The great themes and rich language are wonderful. And … More
Like a Bat Out Of Hell: How NOT to Read Hattie…
There isn’t enough time to read properly. Busy educators need super-condensed ideas. That’s why John Hattie’s little speedometers are so … More
Great Readers Become Great Scientists
Great readers become great scientists. I have been a science teacher for 18 years. My highest attaining science students are … More
Reading for Learning 