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.

What topics will you cover?

Why good subject knowledge is essential when teaching primary science.
Developing subject knowledge for the biology content of the primary science curriculum.
Understanding children’s misconceptions about classification and identifying teaching strategies to identify and overcome them.
Subject knowledge to teach classification, including classifying animals, plants and grouping by invertebrate and vertebrate.

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.

Available now
Join - $64

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

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

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps, but you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you like
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
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.