Tips and techniques for science teachers in 2018
The digital age is presenting students with new ways of learning – and indeed, new career options to explore post-study. But while the future for some students may be digital, the need for practical science teachers in our schools remains stronger than ever. Specialist science teachers are in short supply across England, with the Migration Advisory Committee pushing for science teachers to be added to the list of most-needed professions for those applying to work in the UK. That makes skilled and qualified professionals precious resources for schools across the nation – but how can science teachers ensure they’re reaching all students and adding value to their classrooms?
The following tips for science teachers in 2018 will help to engage students at all levels.
Hands-on science remains important
The need for traditional, practical science teaching methods remains strong for students across the country. The Gatsby Foundation’s Good Practical Science report outlines how schools are under increased pressure to perform in written exams, neglecting to maximise the potential of their practical science facilities. Of the 10 benchmarks the report sets for practical science in English schools, 36% of schools don’t meet any requirements, while no schools achieve more than seven benchmarks. And with 29% of GSCE students undertaking practical sciences lessons less than once a week, it’s clear that more needs to be done to introduce hands-on science in schools.
Improve your school’s performance – and your own teaching practice – in this area is by ensuring at least half of your science lessons involve direct practical activity. Research shows that active learning increases student performance in science, and kinaesthetic learners in particular will benefit from the introduction of more practical lessons in the classroom. Utilise your school’s laboratory where possible, but if you lack resources, you can get creative with classroom-based experiments. Liquids poured on top of each other can be used to show density and viscosity, while centrifugal force can be demonstrated by swinging water in a mug in a circular motion over your head. Don’t let small budgets or a lack of resources prevent you from teaching practical science.
Don’t forget to connect the practical with the theory
When conducting practical science lessons, ensure your students have both a ‘hands-on’ and ‘minds on’ experience. They need to be able to make connections between what they see and what they know – for example, if a solution changes colour in a chemistry class, ask them why it changes colour and what that reaction means. When vinegar and baking soda inflate a balloon, encourage pupils to think about why and how this has happened, and what gas has been produced to enable this. It’s important that students don’t just ‘follow recipes’ to create fun reactions (although the joy and wonder of science should always be encouraged) – remember to teach the theory behind an experiment before a lesson, so that the practical task answers the objectives and questions students are already thinking about. Hands-on science lessons should ultimately enable students to make links between theoretical and practical science.
Introduce technology to the classroom
While the traditional practice and application of science will always be relevant, 21st century students are digital natives who demand the use of technology in the classroom. In fact, as many as 94% of students want to be able to use their cell phones in class for academic purposes – and technology can help you to stay relevant and engaging as a teacher, too. Due to the dynamic, complex nature of science, teachers must adapt and remain curious in order to develop professionally and keep up with modern trends. Introduce more technology into your classroom by using devices such as digital whiteboards to present information, online libraries and cloud-based resource systems for independent learning and homework, and probeware to allow students to collect more precise data in larger amounts. While your school will have different restrictions and budgets around the provision of technology, its potential as a teaching tool is significant, particularly amongst digital-minded pupils.
Are you ready for your next opportunity?
Science teaching is a challenging and rewarding career that evolves with the times. The modern science professional must be inquisitive, enthusiastic and adaptable in order to maintain the interest of 21st century students. If this is you, and you’re looking for your next science teaching job, see our latest vacancies here.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£130 - 200 per day
Location free text
Plymouth
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Plymouth
Description
Position: Part-Time Science Teacher Location: Plymouth Start Date: February Half Term 2025 End Date: July 2025 Contract: Maternity Cover (3 days per week) Pay: Paid to ScaleAre you an enthusiastic and
Reference
TPP/JB/22221
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Plymouth BranchAuthor
Plymouth BranchSalary
£30,000 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Basingstoke
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Basingstoke
Description
Science Teacher Pay Range: MPS/UPS + SEN allowance £2,679 PA (applicable for QTS holders only) Working Hours- 32.5 hours per week / 39 weeks per annum Start Date: ASAPTeaching Personnel have a great o
Reference
Chiltern Way
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
Market related
Location free text
Basingstoke
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
Science
Location
Basingstoke
Description
Teaching Personnel's PWR Team are seeking an exceptional Science Teacher to join an outstanding Academy Trust school located in Basingstoke.About the Role: Inspire and engage: Deliver high-quality Sc
Reference
scibas1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
£120 - 225 per day
Location free text
Rickmansworth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Rickmansworth
Description
Job Title: Chemistry Teacher Location: Rickmansworth Start Date: ASAP Contract Type: Full-Time Salary: In line with MPS/UPS About the school The school is a well-regarded secondary school located i
Reference
CLEMENTSchemistry
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£30k - 46k per year
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Science
Location
Liverpool
Description
Science Teacher Opportunities in Liverpool Secondary SchoolsTeaching Personnel – Join the Leading Education Recruitment AgencyAre you passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists? Do y
Reference
scienceteacherfeb25
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool BranchAuthor
Liverpool BranchSalary
£100 - 251 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Northampton
Description
Position: Secondary Science Teacher (Short-term and Long-term Contracts) Location: Secondary Schools across Northampton Salary: Competitive (based on experience and contract length) Contract: Flexible
Reference
sci/nn4/2025
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
Market related
Location free text
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Science
Location
Kent
Description
About Us:TP Tutors are dedicated to providing high-quality educational support to students in our community. We work closely with schools and local authorities to ensure that every student, regardless
Reference
JBR2701SCITUNBRIDGE
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
Market related
Location free text
Crawley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Science
Location
Crawley
Description
About Us:TP Tutors are dedicated to providing high-quality educational support to students in our community. We work closely with schools and local authorities to ensure that every student, regardless
Reference
JBR2701SCICRAWLEY
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£20 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Nottingham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Science
Location
Nottingham
Description
1:1 Science Tutor Location: NottinghamJob Duties: Provide 1:1 science tutoring to studentsDevelop tailored lesson plans based on individual student needsAssess student progress and adjust teachin
Reference
CC28/1NG15Sci
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
Market related
Location free text
Brighton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Science
Location
Brighton
Description
About Us:TP Tutors are dedicated to providing high-quality educational support to students in our community. We work closely with schools and local authorities to ensure that every student, regardless
Reference
JBR2701SCI
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
When you worked as a teacher, you may have looked forward to retirement, as it meant having more time for leisurely activities or spending more time with loved ones. However, the novelty of retire
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by 50%. According to a report by The Health Foundation, one in six children aged six to 16 in Englan
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
Recent reports state that special schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. Many local authorities aim to integrate more children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) into mainst
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
The festive season and the end of term are quickly approaching! To help you prepare, our Payroll team has shared all the essential dates you need to ensure you get paid before Christmas. Check out t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
NurseryContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
The government has announced new nursery funding and the introduction of free before-school breakfast clubs. These initiatives will bring change to early education. Yet staffing them will be a c
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
On the 5th of November, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining a
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future. Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job