School children

Common Misconceptions

Topic Icon

Animals, Biodiversity & Habitats, Climate Science, Electricity, Energy, Evolution & Inheritance, Forces, Light, Plants, Properties & Uses of Materials, Rocks, Fossils and Soils, Seasonal Change, Sound, Space, States of Matter

Category Icon

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

Unpicking common misconceptions in primary science

Children develop their own ideas about the world, but these ideas are not always scientifically accurate. Understanding and addressing misconceptions is key to supporting children in building a secure foundation in science.

Our Common Misconceptions resource provides short, accessible articles that explore widespread misunderstandings in different science topics. Each article highlights key misconceptions, explains the correct scientific concepts and offers practical strategies for helping children develop more accurate scientific thinking.

Written by PSTT Fellows, these articles were originally featured in our Why&How? magazine and are designed to support primary teachers in recognising and addressing misconceptions through discussion, hands-on investigations and real-world examples.

Articles

  • Clear filters
Light

Energy, Light

Light

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

Electricity

Electricity, Energy

Electricity

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

Evolution icon

Evolution & Inheritance

Evolution

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

Science and Fiction icon

Animals, Biodiversity & Habitats, Climate Science, Electricity, Energy, Evolution & Inheritance, Forces, Light, Plants, Properties & Uses of Materials, Rocks, Fossils and Soils, Seasonal Change, Sound, Space, States of Matter

Science & Fiction

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

Levers

Forces

Levers

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

Levers

Forces

Liferi a Phwliau

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

States of Matter

States of Matter

States of Matter

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine

Sound

Energy, Sound

Sound

Subject Leader Support, Why & How Magazine