Creative Science: Beach Classrooms

Author: Joe Caudle and Laura Osborne

Institution: Arts Council England, Creative Partnerships

Full reference: Caudle, J., Osborne, L. (2006) Beach Classrooms. London: Arts Council England, Creative Partnerships

Summary of key findings

This study developed from a project to enhance schools’ use of Cornwall’s distinctive coast and seashore for children’s learning, with particular emphasis on creative and purposeful cross-curricular science teaching.
The report looks at the impact of the coastal visit and creative approach on children’s attitudes to and learning in science and the impact on their teachers of working with a creative partner to plan and deliver the activity. The report describes the individual schools’ activities. It reports a number of positive observations by children about the experience and teachers’ reflections on the lessons learned.

Research Questions & Methodology

Classes from six primary schools in Cornwall visited three different coastal locations to trial and experience creative, cross-curricular learning experiences. Each day was recorded through observation and video or still images. A monitoring visit was made to each school to interview children to examine their recall of the learning that took place and obtain their views about the experience. Data was collected through interviews with and questionnaires to teachers and students. The focus question was: How does cross curricular teaching in a coastal environment, with a creative partner, impact on the pedagogy of individual teachers and the children’s learning of science?

Read the report.