Pencils, Poems and Princesses

Produced by The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), this resource follows a storybook approach to science. The materials are divided into three sections, each looking at a different aspect of science but always linked to the use of stories as an exciting and motivating context for young children.

The first section contains science investigations linked to the story Princess Smartypants, by Babette Cole.

The second section looks at science as part of a cross curricular topic. Activities are suggested for design and technology, information technology, history, geography and art. Grandfather's Pencil and the Room of Stories by Michael Foreman offers possibilities for a wide variety of activities in all these curriculum areas.

Section three concentrates on structured play and science. The emphasis is on activities which require little teacher input, and thus allow children to explore a range of materials in their classroom. The poetry book Out and About by Shirley Hughes has been used to show how poems and accompanying illustrations can be used as the stimulus for the scientific exploration of water, sand, soil, fabrics and construction kits.

The activities are supported by extensive teacher guidance and children's activity sheets.