Teaching primary science: the problem concept areas

[Extract] The recent release of results from New Zealand's participation in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) has revealed the disturbing level of science achievement by New Zealand Form 2 and Form 3 students and associated concerns with science programme delivery in general. An evaluation of the teachers who participated in TIMSS suggests that a significant proportion of Form 2 teachers expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to teach science. This report further examines this statement and is one part of a three part survey of 122 primary/intermediate teachers in the central districts of the North Island of New Zealand. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain teacher perceptions of their competence in delivering Level One to Four Achievement Objectives of the national science curriculum, Science in the New Zealand Curriculum