How to teach: secondary science

Catrin Green and Phil Beadle (ed)
Crown House Publishing
2016 | 224pp | £12.99 (PB)
ISBN 9781781352410

This book would be a useful addition to the shelf of any recent entrant to the teaching profession; it’s a quick read with many useful ideas. The classroom approaches discussed include a range of styles, with each suggestion tailored to a science classroom.

The writing is chatty and informal, which makes it accessible for those who want quick ideas rather than deep discussion of pedagogy. That doesn’t mean it necessarily lacks depth – on the contrary, there are references and links scattered throughout the text – but you can find some usable ideas without digging. I’d like to try some of these out, for example a wordless essay (tell a story using photos without captions), while others would fill me with terror. To all newly qualified teachers: the author isn’t forcing you to write, perform or sing science-themed versions of Pharrell Williams’ Happy. The variety means there will be something new for everyone.