Science for Primary and Early Years: Developing Subject Knowledge

In this review of Science for Primary and Early Years: Developing Subject Knowledge, the bottom line is simple: this book is a practical, classroom-focused reference for early years and primary teachers who need to strengthen their subject knowledge and plan investigative science activities. Jane Devereux's second edition is organised to support both immediate lesson planning and longer-term teacher development, emphasising clear explanations of scientific ideas and step-by-step approaches to planning investigations, so teachers can confidently deliver accurate and meaningful science learning.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: Part One explains the nature of science, processes of planning and evaluating investigations, and how to use correct terminology so teachers present accurate concepts to children.
• Practical activities: The book includes activities designed to extend a teacher's understanding of key ideas and to be adaptable for early years and primary classroom use.
• Investigation focus: Guidance on hypothesising, predicting and fair testing helps teachers design and assess hands-on investigations with clear learning goals.
• Data use and assessment: Explanations of collecting and using data give teachers straightforward approaches to record and interpret pupil findings.
• Key topic development: Part Two develops subject knowledge in life processes, the environment, electricity and magnetism, light, sound and the earth in space for practical lesson content.
• Health and safety awareness: Clear attention to health and safety prepares teachers to run safe, age-appropriate practical activities in early years and primary settings.

Who It's For

This book suits early career teachers, trainee teachers and teaching assistants who need a structured, accessible resource to build science subject knowledge and to plan practical investigations. It is especially useful for staff preparing lessons in mixed-age settings or developing schemes of work around key science topics.

Experienced subject leaders who require a compact reference for staff training will also find it useful, though those seeking in-depth specialist science theory or advanced classroom research may need to consult additional subject-specific texts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, classroom-focused explanations make it easy to translate subject ideas into lessons.
• Well-structured activities support teachers to practice planning and evaluating investigations.
• Covers a broad range of primary science topics, useful across key stages in the early years and primary phases.

Cons

• As a practitioner resource, it is concise and not intended as an exhaustive science textbook for specialists.

Specifications

Title	Science for Primary and Early Years: Developing Subject Knowledge
Author	Jane Devereux
Edition	Second edition
Scope	Subject knowledge, practical activities and investigations
Topics covered	Life processes, environment, electricity and magnetism, light, sound, earth in space
Target audience	Early years settings and primary school teachers

Our Verdict

Science for Primary and Early Years is a sensible, good-value resource for teachers who need practical support to develop science subject knowledge and plan investigations. It balances clear conceptual explanations with classroom activities, making it a strong choice for trainees and classroom teachers aiming to improve lesson quality without wading through overly technical theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for trainee teachers?
Yes. It is written to help trainees build confidence in planning investigations and understanding core scientific ideas for early years and primary classrooms.

Does it include practical activities for the classroom?
Yes. The second edition contains activities designed to extend teacher understanding and to be adapted for practical classroom use.

Which science topics are covered in detail?
Part Two expands on life and living processes, the environment, electricity and magnetism, light, sound and the earth in space.