Studies of Portuguese and British primary pupils learning science through simple activities in the home

• Published in: International journal of science education Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 47 - 60
• Main Author: Lurdes Cardoso, Maria de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis Group 2002; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Alltag; Alltagserfahrung; Comparative Analysis; Curriculum subjects: programmes and methods; Educational sciences; Elementary Education; Eltern; Eltern-Schule-Beziehung; Elternmitwirkung; England; Exact and natural sciences; Familienleben; Family Environment; Foreign Countries; Fragebogen; Great Britain; Grundschule; Home Study; Kultureinfluss; Lernen; Parent Participation; Portugal; Schulprojekt; Schüler; Science Activities; Science Instruction; Sprache; Teaching methods; Portugal; United Kingdom (Great Britain); Great Britain; Early learning game; Science; Parent-Teacher Relation; Parents role; Primary School Student
• ISSN: 0950-0693; 1464-5289
• DOI: 10.1080/09500690110049079

Asking parents to help their children by taking part in home science activities is a comparatively new development. We consider how Portuguese and British parents of primary pupils rose to the challenge, taking into account the recent histories of science education in the two countries. The pre-course responses of the parents and teachers are analysed, and how the parents interacted with their children is reported. The learning atmosphere is shown to be very different from that of school, being more conducive to relaxed and effective talk. It is also shown that the families highlighted different aspects of science in accordance with their culture, and also that their children resented any break in the normal family roles.