Primary Science in a Nutshell, edited by Professor Leigh Hoath and Ben Rogers, Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy at Paradigm Trust, is designed to provide support with lesson planning for primary science teachers. The key aim of the book is to boost teachers’ confidence, as many who did not complete a science-related degree have claimed it can be challenging to teach the subject. A unique aspect of the book is that it unpacks common misconceptions that children of different ages hold about science facts and encourages teachers to apply that knowledge in the classroom, for a more tailored learning environment.

The book includes chapters from key names in Primary Science, including Dr Caroline Neuberg and Lewis Morgan, Senior Lecturers in the School of Education at Leeds Trinity University. Published in January 2025, Primary Science in a Nutshell has received wide acclaim from teachers and education providers across the country, with many commending it for clarity and relevance to Primary Science teams.

Professor Leigh Hoath said: “It’s been inspiring to work with the contributors and Ben Rogers to put together this key resource for primary teachers. Accessible and up-to-date guidance on science education is vital in making sure pupils can form an accurate view of the world and its current issues. It’s been great to see it so well received by the sector.

“Addressing challenges such as lack of confidence in primary teachers is a focus in the School of Education at Leeds Trinity University, and we are committed to supporting teachers through the highs and challenges of the job.”

Mary Myatt, education advisor, writer, speaker and coordinator at Myatt & Co, said: “Every so often I come across a book or resource that is so elegant, so fruitful and so concise that I start fizzing with all the ways I might incorporate it into my practice. Primary Science in a Nutshell is one such resource.

“Written by two experts who are absolutely at the top of their game, Ben Rogers and Leigh Hoath have delivered a brilliant summary of all the great stuff we can learn in primary science, masses of questions which will open up the terrain for pupils, plus some of the most underestimated avenues into learning: unpacking misconceptions. Absolute gold!”

Professor Leigh Hoath leads Science Education at Leeds Trinity University. She is the co-founder of the Climate Adapted Pathways for Education (CAPE), an organisation leading curriculum development concerning climate change education, and Past Chair of the Association for Science Education (ASE). She is an author of science books across the primary and secondary age phases as well as the outreach and engagement consultant to the world’s largest chemical company (BASF).

Professor Leigh Hoath is a consultant to BBC Teach where she developed the Blue Planet Live teacher resources and live lesson and most recently created the content for their climate and sustainability focussed campaign The Regenerators.

All proceeds from the sales of Primary Science in a Nutshell will go to the Association for Science Education, to fund its efforts to make a positive difference to the teaching and learning of science in the UK and internationally.

To find out more about studying in the School of Education at Leeds Trinity University, visit the website.