Not a “what to teach and how to teach it” manual, but a tour through current thinking. Authoritative, up-to-date and intelligent.

Book Buzz by Caroline Bingham, Ben Morgan and Matthew Robertson (Dorling Kindersley pound;14.99) A good-value introduction to insect life. Expert text, with style and language right for the age group, and stunning photography.

Website www.planetscience.co.uk (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts site) Unbeatable for sheer volume of information, ideas and free resources: science packs, a debating kit, quizzes, assemblies, interactive games and tips for ensuring your whiteboard isn’t a white elephant.

Find free classroom resources at www.tes.co.ukscience2