Enhance your KS2 biology classes with CPD from STEM learning

To teach primary science effectively primary education teachers must have sound subject knowledge, but many primary teachers are not science subject experts.

This course will equip you with the key subject knowledge required to effectively teach the biology elements of the primary science national curriculum, focusing on the topic of classification.

Develop your understanding of the classification of living things

Classification is how we group living things based on features, similarities, and differences.

You’ll build your personal knowledge of classification in order to effectively teach the biology content in the primary science curriculum to pupils aged 7-11.

Discover KS2 science activities for teaching classification

Through the course, you’ll explore common misconceptions about classification that children may have.

You’ll learn how to identify and help KS2 pupils overcome these misconceptions using practical teaching strategies and activities.

Get teacher CPD for teaching science in the primary national curriculum

The National STEM Learning Centre is the biggest provider of education, teacher CPD, and careers support in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

This course has been created by primary STEM subject specialists, who are experienced primary teachers.

Syllabus

Week 1
An overview of classification
- Why we classify living organisms
  Welcome to the course. As a primary teacher, having great subject knowledge will enable you to tackle misconceptions and confidently teach your science curriculum. What would you like to focus on in this course?
- Creating a system
  Carl Linnaeus created the taxonomy system to classify and identify all living organisms. How would you classify all living things?
- Classification in the primary curriculum
  In primary education, the focus for classification is plants and animals. We take a closer look at the features of each. How would you classify different species?
- Classification isn't always easy
  In the final part of this week we look at some living things that are trickier to classify. We also ask what your highlight of the week has been and what you'll plan to look at next week.
Week 2
Misconceptions about classification
- Children’s misconceptions
  This week you'll be looking at classroom activities and teaching practices to elicit and address pupil misconceptions. First, we'll look at the importance of scientific vocabulary and practical work.
- Eliciting misconceptions
  What activities would you use to find out what your pupils think and any misconceptions they might have about classification?
- Reconstructing the learning
  Here we look at making and using classification keys and observing carefully to make identifications. How would you use these activities to address common misconceptions by challenging children’s ideas?
- Reviewing your professional development
  Review your professional development and plan your next steps to sustain and develop the way you teach primary science. How has your practice and thinking changed during this course?

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

10 May 2021
Join - $64

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Identify the importance of good subject knowledge when teaching primary science.
Develop personal subject knowledge of classification to teach this topic as part of the biology primary science curriculum.
Apply subject knowledge of biology to class teaching of pupils aged 5-11 years old.
Explore practical activities to teach scientific concepts in the primary curriculum.
Identify common misconceptions children may have in primary science concepts.
Develop teaching strategies to identify and overcome children’s misconceptions.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for primary teachers and trainee teachers in primary education (pupils aged 5-11 years) who want to develop their biology subject knowledge, specifically the topic of classification.

The course refers to the English National Curriculum, but the subject matter is equally transferable to other curricula, and you’ll be encouraged to explore connections with your own national curriculum.

Who will you learn with?

Rachel Jackson

I spent 10 years working as a primary classroom teacher, 7 as a science subject leader. I’ve also supported schools as a leading science teacher before joining STEM learning as a primary specialist.

Sarah Dagnell

I have been a primary school teacher for 13 years and work at Clifton With Rawcliffe Primary, York. Currently, I also work 3 days a week at the National STEM Learning Centre in the Primary PDL Team.

Karen Brunyee

I am currently a Professional Development Leader at the National STEM Learning Centre in Primary STEM. I have been a teacher for 14 years, teaching classes from FS2 to Year 6.

Who developed the course?

National STEM Learning Centre

The National STEM Learning Centre provides world-class professional development activities and resources to support the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

Learning on FutureLearn

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Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.