Helps readers to create effective science learning experiences for primary students by using a constructivist approach to learning. This edition details how constructivist emphases have changed and explores the implications for learning and teaching.

Explores the latest research and thinking on the most effective ways to help students learn science; A comprehensive introductory chapter acts as an advance organiser for all the major issues that are exemplified in later chapters; Case studies and vignettes illustrate how teachers have applied constructivist learning sequences in their classrooms, helping readers to see the teaching and learning suggestions 'in action'; Numerous examples throughout demonstrate teaching strategies that align with a constructivist perspective; Summaries of primary students' alternative conceptions in the various science content areas help readers to appreciate the ideas their students may hold; Concepts and understandings for primary teachers are included at the end of Chapters 3 - 12, allowing readers to audit their own understanding of various content areas; A wide range of activities throughout the text enable readers to interact with the text and be more metacognitive about their learning.

Keith Skamp is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Southern Cross University. He has been a lecturer in undergraduate and graduate units in science education, environmental education and research methodology for many years and has led or been involved in professional and curriculum development initiatives in primary science at state, national and international levels. His research and consultancy in science and environmental education has included working with the Australian Academy of Science's Primary Connections initiative, as well as for State and federal governments, and has resulted in numerous refereed journal articles and other publications; currently his research focuses on students' responses to global warming. Keith has received distinguished awards for university teaching and service to professional science education associations.