Teaching Science in Primary School: Why Curiosity Comes Before Content | Episode 312

Teaching science in primary school starts with curiosity, exploration, and questions—not simply giving children all the background knowledge first.What if one of the best ways to teach science is to stop giving students all the answers before they've had a chance to ask the questions?In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about teaching science in primary school and why curiosity may need to come before content.When teaching science in Grade 1, Grade 2, and the elementary grades, limited instructional time often means science gets squeezed into the reading block. We read informational texts, teach vocabulary, build background knowledge—and sometimes never make it to the exploration.But children are natural scientists.They notice. They wonder. They ask questions. They test ideas, gather evidence, change their thinking, and try again.Instead of always beginning a science lesson with "Today we're learning...", what might happen if we started with:What do you notice?What do you think?What do you wonder?We'll talk about how hands-on exploration can change the way children experience science, why informational texts can start an investigation rather than finish one, and how curiosity helps build deeper learning and human connection.Whether you're teaching science in primary school, teaching science Grade 1, or looking for meaningful ways of teaching science in elementary grades, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to have every answer.Sometimes you simply need to give children something worth wondering about.Links Mentioned in the Show:STEM First Grade Curriculum UnitComplete STEM Curriculum Units for Second GradeSupport the showNeed a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.  👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson PlansSubscribe and Review:Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!