Explaining Primary Science

Paul Chambers worked in industry prior to attending Jordanhill College of Education where he qualified as a physics and mathematics teacher. He then taught in a number of schools and was head of physics for over fourteen years. Whilst at school he was seconded on a number of occasions as staff trainer in physics and science. He was appointed lecturer in physics education (Initial Teacher Education) at the University of Strathclyde in 1999 and senior lecturer in 2003. He was also head of department for STEM education from 2003–2005 and a member of the Physics Qualifications Development Team which produced the new physics curricula in Scotland. He is the author of over ten school texts, from upper primary through to upper secondary, and has contributed to national examinations in physics as a marker, setter and vetter.

More recently he has been developing science materials and CPD for primary schools and is co-ordinator for all STEM activities at the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde. He has taught on teacher education courses in Egypt and Malawi and was External Examiner for PGCE Science at an English university. He is also an accredited provider of primary science CPD for the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC), and serves on the ASE’s Primary Science editorial board.

Nicholas (Nicky) Souter’s early years were spent exploring woodland, peat bogs, lochs, and the local Campsie Fells taking in their natural history.

His first formal science lesson in ‘the big school’ included being told that the universe includes matter and energy. That elegant and intriguing starting point was the hook that set him on a lifelong journey of sharing science, its processes and philosophies, with school pupils and teachers.  He possesses undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in life science and in education, is a Chartered Science Teacher and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.  Nicky has held teaching, leadership, and examining roles in secondary and higher education.  Academic life at the University of Strathclyde included teaching, research, consultancy, and authorship, having contributed to more than 25 books, several of which offered supportive advice to life science teaching at all levels of the school curriculum.  Following retirement consultancy, providing primary science CPD and citizen science projects keep him engaged in science and science education.

Nicky asserts ‘secure learning is built upon first-hand direct experiences’.