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HomeCentre for Industry Education CollaborationNews2025Development of Journal of Emergent Science

Development of Journal of Emergent Science

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Posted on Wednesday 26 November 2025

In this article Helen Harden and Nicky Waller explain the innovative Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST) resources for ages 7–11, created by the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC) and funded by the Horners’ Charities.
A Concept cartoon with 4 speech bubbles. They have the following comments. 1. Tim: The water will move into the air. 2. Tim’s mum: The water will drip into the ground and become soaked up. 3. Tim’s sister: The water will go straight up into the sky, clouds and sun. 4. Tim’s stepdad: The clothes will just dry out and the water will disappear.

Drawing on extensive research into children’s misconceptions about materials and their properties, the article reveals how carefully designed learning progressions, diagnostic questions and response activities can transform formative assessment in primary science. From states of matter to the water cycle and changing materials, the authors show how misconceptions - when thoughtfully constructed - provide powerful windows into pupils’ thinking.

The article highlights how these research-informed tools help teachers move beyond memorised responses to help children to develop secure, conceptual understanding. With freely accessible resources that support classrooms across the UK and internationally, this review offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to strengthen primary science teaching.

Read the full article