Abstract
Five hundred and seventy eight conversations were audio-taped while year 2 (6-7-year-old) or year 5 (9-10-year-old) pupils were observing meal worms (Tenebrio molitar) or brine shrimps (Artemia salina) during science activities in a UK primary school. Analysis revealed many comments to do with sex, reproduction, death, violence and the life history of the organisms. In addition, pupils made associations to humans, raised moral issues and expressed emotions and wonder. Significant differences were found between the comments of year 2 and year 5 pupils, between the comments of boys and girls, and between comments made when observing meal worms and when observing brine shrimps. These findings have implications both for the formal teaching of science and for the use of science as a vehicle for the teaching of sex education and other aspects of personal and social education (PSE).
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