Nuffield Curriculum Centre: Teaching, Education, Learning

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CPD on using puppets available, with the assistance of GlaxoSmithKline. See the PUPPETS project web site.

What's going on here?
The puppets (Benny and Jasmin) explain that they have been given some special seeds to grow and they are not sure how to do it.

Jasmin: I think we should put the seeds in a dark cupboard
Benny: But seeds need light to start to grow
Jasmin: I think they need water but they don't need light
Benny: If you give them too much water they will drown and not grow at all
Jasmin: What do you think? Can you help us?

Pupil's comment
Josh (yr 5) said: "I really enjoyed the Puppets’ visit and thank you for coming. I felt more comfortable talking to the puppets and less nervous about sharing my ideas. I learnt to think before writing anything down. This was the best science lesson ever! "

PUPPETS Project

Talking science • Engaging science

What happens?
There are different ways of using the puppets. For instance the puppet can make some suggestions for the children to discuss, share with the puppet, and try out for themselves.

The teacher doesn't need a silly voice but does need to believe in the puppet!

All children are keen to ask or answer a question and join in discussion - including pupils in year 6. Children are keen to tell the puppets what they know but also listen more attentively. They get very engaged and very excited.

About the project
The project builds on previous work to enhance pupils' engagement and talk through the use of concept cartoons and earlier research on children's talk in primary classrooms.

Funding for the research has been provided by the Nuffield Foundation.

Teachers and advisers in the UK are very enthusiastic, and colleagues in other countries are also interested.

This novel way of engaging children with school science is being disseminated through a country-wide CPD programme with the assistance of GlaxoSmithKline.

PUPPETS project team
Jean Maloney and Shirley Simon, Institute of Education, London
Brigid Downing, Brenda Keogh and Stuart Naylor, Institute of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University

PUPPETS project inset
Find out more from the PUPPETS project web site.

Concept cartoons
Also visit the website about Concept cartoons.

Evaluation
The Nuffield Curriculum Centre is organising an evaluation of the effectiveness of the outcomes of CPD in the Puppets project. This is being undertaken by David Shakespeare.

Last Updated Thu, 11 October 2007

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