This book draws on the wealth of worldwide research into science education to establish a set of key principles for teaching secondary science. It considers the aims of science education and the themes and topics that should be included in the curriculum and how these can be effectively taught and assessed in a variety of contexts. Offering a framework for the training and professional development of science teachers, the chapters answer key questions such as: How can I help my students to make sense of difficult areas in my subject? What is meant by understanding, and how can I help my students achieve it? Is it possible to teach scientific thinking and how can I do it? What about learner attitudes when they are sometimes negative? What are the different ways to teach in the sciences that are effective? How can I make learning in the laboratory more efficient and effective? How can I employ assessment as a positive aid to learning? Including reflective questions, tasks and diagrams, this is essential reading for all student and practising secondary science.