![STEM teaching tips for primary teachers](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/Ibyg5YQD5EMPwQjZXkr-Rg/Outside+child.jpg?v=5b31bf5b1ee2f8d48e7c41e206ce3b7b)
STEM teaching tips for primary teachers
Teaching remains an occupation that is both appealing for professionals and in high demand across the nation. The number of primary teachers and teaching assistants in UK schools is at a ten-year high, according to government statistics, with 74,500 more pupils in primary schools across the nation in January 2017 compared to January 2016. As school roll numbers creep higher and increased scrutiny falls upon the efficacy of curriculums in preparing students for life post-education, the spotlight is on STEM subjects and their popularity among pupils.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have a profound impact on everyday lives, yet students haven’t always pursued them as subjects beyond the core curriculum requirements at school. This means primary teachers have a profound responsibility to make STEM subjects as engaging, interesting and rewarding as possible, nurturing an interest in students that extends beyond the classroom. If you’re a primary teacher looking to brush up on your STEM teaching techniques, the following tips should help you to engage your audience.
Make it practical and fun
While the theory behind STEM subjects is important for pupils to understand, at primary level the easiest way to communicate concepts with students is often through practical applications – doing, making, touching and playing. When teaching students about states of matter, for example, experiment with ice, air and water to help students understand the differences between solids, liquids and gas. Introduce materials that have states which are harder to identify – such as sand, jelly and foam – to provoke discussion and debate and extend students’ understanding.
For mathematics, engage students by using them as your resources for illustrating and solving problems. Groups of pupils can be used to solve equations visually – for example, if you have one group of five children and another group of seven children, how many children are there in total? Playdough is another tool that can be used when teaching mathematics – have students roll balls into circles to then divide into fractions and partitions. Many young students are hands-on learners, so use props and tools to help them work through concepts and problems.
Get girls interested
One of the biggest challenges for teachers of STEM subjects at any level is encouraging girls. In the UK, there’s a significant drop-off in the number of girls studying STEM subjects from the age of 16, when just 35% of females go on to choose maths, physics, computing or a technical vocational qualification, compared to a whopping 94% of boys. If we can improve this number, more girls will be able to make the most of the increasingly attractive career opportunities in engineering and technology. Much has been said about the shortage of women in STEM careers worldwide, and while strides are being made to make these subjects more accessible to girls (such as female-only coding schools), there remains a strong need to develop the future of females in
Studies show that achievement gaps in science are apparent as early on as at pre-school level, highlighting the importance of early intervention and exposure to STEM concepts. With a lack of female role models in STEM careers and a perceived competence divide between boys and girls, it’s crucial that your lessons are engaging and thought-provoking for all students. If particular pupils are quiet in STEM lessons, ask them privately how they are finding the classes and if there is anything in particular that has interested them. Watch out for
Be a role model
Primary teachers of STEM subjects can suffer confidence issues just as much as their pupils. Just because you don’t have a science, engineering or mathematics degree doesn’t mean you can’t be a brilliant teacher of concepts from these subjects. Look for activities that are inclusive and spark curiosity, inviting conversation rather than becoming too focused on the ‘right answer’. To develop your own skills and knowledge, consider continuing professional development courses as well as independently improving your own subject knowledge. There are a variety of online resources that can help you get started, such as BBC Terrific Science,
Are you a primary teacher looking for your next career opportunity? At Teaching Personnel, we have a range of opportunities for teachers at all levels. Take a look at our latest vacancies here.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£110 - 140 per day + Pro rata
Location free text
Waterlooville
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Hampshire
Description
Maths TeacherFull Time / TemporaryWaterloovilleTeaching personnel are currently working closely with a supportive secondary school who are looking for a brilliant Maths teacher to cover on a full time
Reference
MTWL2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£30,000 - 46,525 per year
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Science
Location
Portsmouth
Description
Science Teachers Required for Secondary Schools in PortsmouthAbout Us: Teaching Personnel is the UK's leading education recruitment agency, dedicated to connecting talented educators with rewarding o
Reference
SciTeachPo
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
Market related
Location free text
Stockton-on-Tees
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Maths
Location
Durham
Description
Job Advert: Maths TeacherLocation: Stockton-On-Tees Start Date: September 2024 Contract Type: Permanent Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualificationsA highly reputable SEMH School Group
Reference
JHECWS5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
Paid as daily rate equivalent
Location free text
Bedford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Science
Location
Bedford
Description
Science Teacher Applications from ECTs welcome!We have an exciting role for September 2024, for a Qualified Science Teacher to join an Secondary Academy in the North Bedfordshire area. The successful
Reference
SCIBEDS5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
Paid as daily rate equivalent
Location free text
Milton Keynes
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Science
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
Science Teacher Applications from ECTs welcome!We have an exciting role for September 2024, for a Qualified Science Teacher to join an Secondary Academy in the heart of Milton Keynes.The successful c
Reference
SciMK1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£150 - 230 per day
Location free text
Solihull
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
ICT & Computing
Location
Solihull
Description
COMPUTER SCIENCEARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING COMPUTER SCIENCE?DO YOU HAVE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND A PROVEN TRACK RECORD TEACHING COMPUTER SCIENCE WITHIN SECONDARY SCHOOLS? Why choose to work with
Reference
Comp Science B92
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondarySalary
Market related
Location free text
Stockton-on-Tees
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
ICT & Computing
Location
Durham
Description
Job Advertisement: IT Teacher at Reputable SEMH School GroupPosition: IT Teacher Location: Independent Special School, Stockton-On-Tees Salary: Competitive, Dependent on experience Start Date: Septemb
Reference
JHECWS4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
Market related
Location free text
Windsor
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
ICT & Computing
Location
Berkshire
Description
Position: IT Teacher Location: Windsor Salary: Competitive, Dependent on experience Start Date: September 2024 Contract Type: PermanentA highly reputable Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Sc
Reference
JHECWS2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
Market related
Location free text
Trowbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Maths
Location
Wiltshire
Description
Role: Maths Teacher Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire Start Date: September 2024 School type: SEMH School Age: Secondary Contract Type: Permanent, Full-TimeA highly reputable SEMH (Social, Emotional, an
Reference
JHECOT10
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
£110 - 200 per day
Location free text
Hertford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Hertfordshire
Description
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated SEMH Teacher to join one of our partner schools in Hertford and make a real difference.We currently have two full-time positions available, one to teach E
Reference
KDTEACH2024
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENRelated posts
![Educator CPD Academy](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/Av_2V6F5aEC2twjcn_1j1w/75/login_1920x1080+1.png)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
At the end of August, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining acc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/ryYLTAUgi0K13Ajcn_1j1w/75/Beach+Chairs.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/6QReUHkFpkYLOgjaBTTvuQ/75/art_teacher.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/92m1zD5ZCUNS3wjccMG0QA/75/student_doing_exam_on_desk.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/1JiaUO95dEYk0QjcZPn_1w/75/AdobeStock_547795360-medium.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/LyDe-9wTrUrDVQjcOQ04FQ/75/nest-with-colored-eggs-near-tulips-easter.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
![Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/56oIbyPYNk995QjZ3DQLFw/75/interested-middle-school-students-in-biology-class-picture-id877033978+(2)-min.jpg)
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/E2R5-IdjYksh3QjcEq5ogA/75/iStock-911030084.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/7BJGolQM70gr5Qjb55O_4g/75/iStock-1007220880-small.jpg)
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
![](/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Scott Owen
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481118/739eb969-c402-42a7-9764-652d438952f3/2023.17000.1254/img/nycCJ-tYgkdMngjb4FEIgw/75/iStock-1459337127.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job