Heritage Science Resources for the National Curriculum in England
Heritage Science can engage the digital native generation with science in new and innovative ways. It uses scientific techniques to investigate and solve real-world problems.
Historic England recently funded a review the National Curriculum in England covering science programmes at key stages 3, 4 and 5. The aim of this project was to identify topics and areas where Heritage Science could be used to deepen understanding, enhance knowledge, and form connections between the subjects being studied.
The review involved the following stages:
- a desk-based review of curriculum content, subject criteria documentation and a sample of qualifications specifications to identify key topics across different subjects and levels
- a review of literature relating to heritage science, including the resources available to support its teaching and learning
- telephone interviews with a small number of historic environment and science-related stakeholders to explore opportunities for incorporating or embedding heritage science as part of science teaching and learning
The resulting report includes recommendations for future research and a detailed matrix of heritage science concepts mapped to national curriculum modules in the core science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) across key stages 3, 4 and 5.
