PRI-SCI-NET · Networking Primary Science Educators as a means to provide training and professional development in Inquiry Based Teaching

This project is about setting up a Europe-wide network for professionals and academics in the area of Primary Science Education. The aim is to provide training and professional support to teachers to help them use Inquiry based learning in Science in schools. The platform at European level will network professionals as well as support the organisation of training courses. It also recognises teachers’ and researchers’ achievements in implementing Inquiry-based learning in science, as well as provide an opportunity for teachers and academics to share their experiences and successes. The project will concurrently also take small projects in primary science education, and promote them on a larger scale in order to provide examples of Inquiry Based teaching approaches to have an impact at European level. The project includes several previous projects, mainly: using an already developed theoretical pedagogical model for the teaching of science at primary level for developing teaching resources (developed as part of Comenius 1 and 2 projects); utilising the European network for primary school teachers to provide training and professional development to primary science teacher trainers; as well as providing in-service training opportunities based on experience of partners in implementing ERASMUS intensive courses for primary school teachers on a national and international level. Pri_Sci_Net aims to establish a European community of primary science educators working within the Inquiry Based approach.