Prof. Chris King

Title: Professor of Earth Science Education
Phone: (+44) 01782 737420
Email:
Location: Chancellor's Building : CBA 1.057
Role: Director of the Earth Science Education Unit
Chair of the PGCE Tutor Group
Member of the Science Education Team
Chair of the Science Learning Centre West Midlands Strategy Committee
Academic Conduct Officer for the School of Public Policy and Professional Practice
Contacting me: Drop in any time, but it might be a good idea to check by email in advance if I will be there
King_Chris

Following my first degree, in Geology from Bristol University (2.2) I was employed by De Beers as a diamond prospector for five years, in South Africa, Swaziland and Australia. During this time I found a diamond mine in Swaziland, which was subsequently worked for 15 years and has just re-opened. After leaving De Beers, I took an MSc in ‘Sedimentology’ at Reading University (Distinction) before undertaking a PGCE in science and geology education at Keele University.

On leaving Keele, I was appointed as a geology teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, where I worked for 19 years and became Head of KS3 Science and then School Development Officer. In 1996 I came to Keele University as the Earth science/geology specialist on the science teacher training team, following the long tradition and national reputation of geology/Earth science teacher training at Keele. Since then I have been Science Team Leader on more than one occasion and have served as Head of the Department of Education for two years.

In 1993 I was involved in the organisation of the first ever International Conference in Geoscience Education. Later, I was also involved in the development of the International Geoscience Organisation (IGEO), and became its first Chair in 2000. The IGEO has since run a series of very successful international geoscience education conferences. I am currently a Council member of IGEO and a Vice-Chair of the International Union of Geological Sciences Commission on Geoscience Education (IUGS-COGE).

For many years I have been involved in the Earth Science Teachers’ Association (ESTA)(past-Chair, currently Chair of the Secondary Committee); the Earth Science Education Forum (current Chair); and the Geological Society Education Committee (past-Chair of related organisation).

I was instrumental in bringing the Science Learning Centre West Midlands to Keele and was acting-Director for some time (currently, Chair of the Strategy Committee)

I have co-written an A-level Geology textbook (1999) and more recently a GCSE Geology textbook that is freely downloadable from the internet (2010), whilst contributing to a range of other science textbooks and resources.

I have co-edited 37 units in ESTA’s ‘Science of the Earth’ series (and written some of them). Many of the ideas contained therein have been developed into Earthlearningideas, which have been published on the Earthlearningidea website that I instigated in 2007. More than 70 activities have been published, primarily for use in the developing world, but widely used in the developed world as well; they have been translated into Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Norwegian, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil and Catalan. The freely downloadable activities are currently published at the rate of one per week.

I have made presentations at international conferences in Brisbane, Australia, Oslo, Norway; Bayreuth, Germany; Aveiro, Portugal and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I have also made presentations and conducted workshops at a number of international venues including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Japan, Hong Kong and Macau, New Zealand, the Philippines and Spain, and have been the keynote speaker at conferences in Spain, the USA, Taiwan, Canada, South Africa and Bangladesh.

I was awarded the Geological Society’s ‘Distinguished Service Award’ in 2003. 

and the Geologists’ Association’s ‘Halstead Medal’ in 2011, for ‘work of outstanding merit, deemed to further the objects of the Association and to promote Geology'.

Keele University made me Professor of Earth Science Education in 2006.

My research interests include:

  • the effectiveness of Earth science teaching in the UK.
  • the development of Earth science teaching.
  • monitoring a national programme of Earth science INSET.
  • misconceptions in Earth science understanding.
  • the international development of Earth science teaching

Meanwhile, my editorial work includes:

  • reviewer for the International Journal of Science Education
  • Associate Editor for the Journal of Geoscience Education.
  • Editorial Associate for the Association for Science Education (ASE) Journal, School Science Review.

Edwards, D. and King C. (1999) Geoscience - understanding geological processes. London: Hodder and Stoughton. 256pp. ISBN 0 340 68843 2

 King, C. (2001) The response of teachers to new content in a National Science Curriculum: the case of the Earth-science component Science Education, 85, 636 – 664.

King, C. (2007) Enseñar Geología a los profesores de ciencias: la experiencia de la Earth Science Education Unit (ESEU). Enseñanza de Ciencias de la Tierra 14.2, 142 – 149. ISSN 1132-9157.

King, C. (2008) Geoscience Education: an overview. Studies in Science Education, 44, 187 – 222. ISSN 0305 7267

Lydon, S. & King, C. (2009) Can a single, short CPD workshop cause change in the classroom? Journal of In-Service Education, 35.1, 63-82. ISSN 1941-5257.

King, C. (2010) An analysis of misconceptions in science textbooks: earth science in England and Wales. International Journal of Science Education, 31. ISSN: 1464-5289.

King. C. (2012) Earth science: theme editorial. School Science Review. 94(347) 23-24. ISSN 0036-6811.

King. C. & Thomas, A. (2012) Earth Science Education Unit workshops – an evaluation of their impact. School Science Review. 94(347) 25-35. ISSN 0036-6811.

King. C. (2012) Common Earth science misconceptions in science teaching. School Science Review. 94(347) 45-52. ISSN 0036-6811.

 

 

Selected Publications

  • King CJH. 2010. An Analysis of Misconceptions in Science Textbooks: Earth science in England and Wales. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE EDUCATION, vol. 32(5), 565-601. link> doi>
  • King CJH. 2010. Teaching ideas from the 'Bring and Share' at the Post-16 Day, ESTA Conference, Southampton 2009. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 35(1), 11-17.
  • King CJH. McWeeny R (Ed.). 2010. The planet we live on: The beginning of the Earth Sciences. (vol. 6).
  • King CJH. 2009. 'Bring and Share' ideas from the post-16 day at the ESTA Conference, Liverpool, 2008. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 34(1), 43-56.
  • Lydon S and King CJH. 2009. Can a single, short CPD workshop cause change in the classroom?. Journal of In-Service Education, vol. 35(1), 63-82. doi>

Full Publications List show

Books

  • King CJH. McWeeny R (Ed.). 2010. The planet we live on: The beginning of the Earth Sciences. (vol. 6).

Journal Articles

  • King CJH. 2010. An Analysis of Misconceptions in Science Textbooks: Earth science in England and Wales. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE EDUCATION, vol. 32(5), 565-601. link> doi>
  • King CJH. 2010. Teaching ideas from the 'Bring and Share' at the Post-16 Day, ESTA Conference, Southampton 2009. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 35(1), 11-17.
  • King CJH. 2009. 'Bring and Share' ideas from the post-16 day at the ESTA Conference, Liverpool, 2008. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 34(1), 43-56.
  • Lydon S and King CJH. 2009. Can a single, short CPD workshop cause change in the classroom?. Journal of In-Service Education, vol. 35(1), 63-82. doi>
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E, Martinez JS. 2009. Earthlearningidea: Neuvos recursos para la enseňanza de las ciencias de la tierra en todo el mundo. Ensenanza de las Ciencias de la Tierra, vol. 17(1), 2-15.
  • King CJH. 2009. Peter Kennett - the first 70 years. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 34(2), 9-12.
  • King CJH. 2008. Belfast 'bring and share'. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 33(2), 38-43.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. 2008. Earthlearningidea - ideas for the International Year of Plant Earth. Geology Today, vol. 24(2), 68-70.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. 2008. Earthlearningidea - ideas for the International Year of Plant Earth. Geology Today, vol. 24(2), 68-70.
  • King C. 2008. Geoscience education: an overview. STUDIES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION, vol. 44(2), 187-222. link> doi>
  • King CJH. 2008. KS4 plate tectonics through the window. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 33(2), 44-50.
  • King CJH. 2008. The Earth science misconceptions of some science writers - how wrong can they be?. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 33(2), 9-11.
  • King CJH and Hughes E. 2008. Which science specification should you choose for its Earth science content?. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 33(1), 31-36.
  • King CJH. 2007. Bristol 'Bring and share', September 2006. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 32(2), 12-18.
  • King CJH, Bailey D, Whitburn N. 2007. Communicating Earth Science - ESTA, ESEU & BGS. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 32(1), 12-15.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. 2007. Earthlearningidea - ideas and discussion across the globe for the International Year of Planet Earth. Earth Science Ireland, vol. 2, 19-20.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. 2007. Earthlearningidea - ideas and discussion across the globe for the International Year of Planet Earth. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 32(3/4), 38.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. 2007. Earthlearningidea - ideas and discussion across the globe for the International Year of Planet Earth. Geoscientist, vol. 17(8), 22-23.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. 2007. Earthlearningidea across the globe. GA Magazine, vol. 6(4), 6-7.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. 2007. Earthlearningidea for the International Year of Planet Earth. Science Education International, vol. 18.
  • King CJH and Lydon S. 2007. Educating science teachers in Earth science teaching: the Earth Science Education Unit initiative in England and Wales, and its transfer to Scotland. Geography und ihre Didactik, vol. 35, 272-286.
  • King CJH. 2007. Enseňar Geologia a los profesores de ciencias: la experiencia de la Earth Science Education Unit (ESEU). Ensenanza de Ciencias de la Tierra, vol. 14(2), 142-149.
  • King CJH. 2007. Science in an Earth/Environmental Context: Global, Local, Individual Science. School Science Review, vol. 89(326), 35-44.
  • King CJH. 2007. What earth science might form the core of a new Earth/environmental science GCSE?. School Science Review, vol. 89(327), 71-78.
  • King CJH. 2006. Derby Conference Post-16 'Bring and Share' September 2005. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 31(3), 20-21.
  • King CJH. 2006. ESEU reaches a million children. GA Magazine, vol. 5(2), 20.
  • King CJH. 2006. How to bring Geoscience to the Public - a 'Science Week' experience. Geology Today, vol. 22, 227-231.
  • Douglas P, Gray K, King CJH. 2006. Inspiring the new generation to opt for A level geology. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 31(4), 26-29.
  • King CJH. 2006. Putting Earth science into its outdoor context. School Science Review, vol. 87(320), 53-60.
  • King CJH and Jones B. 2006. The A level geology challenge. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 31(1), 29-31.
  • Hyden F and King CJH. 2006. What the papers say: science coverage by UK national newspapers. School Science Review, vol. 88(322), 81-86.
  • King CJH. 2005. Edinburgh's 'Bring and Share'. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 30(3), 10-15.
  • King CJH, Fleming A, Kennett P, Thompson D. 2005. How effectively do science textbooks teach earth science?. School Science Review, vol. 87(318), 95-104.
  • King CJH. 2005. How exams work - the structures behind setting, marking and awarding A-level exams. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 30(3), 18-19.
  • King CJH. 2005. The new National Curriculum for Science KS4 Programme of Study and the new GCSE Criteria for Science in England. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 30(2), 23-25.
  • King CJH. 2004. How can we use our local quarry?. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 29(2), 16-17.
  • King CJH. 2004. The Earth Science Education Unit Any Quarry Guide. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 29(2), 7-15.
  • King C, Kennett A, Thompson D. 2003. Can you believe everything you read? What some science textbooks say about Earth Science. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 28(2), 8-13.
  • King C. 2003. Les sciences de la terre dans l'enseignement secondaire - Royanne-Uni. Géologues.
  • King C. 2003. New activities and approaches from the Post 16"Bring and Share"session, ESTA 2002 Conference, British Geological Survey. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 28(1), 11-21.
  • King CJH. 2003. Post-16 "Bring and Share" goes from strength to strength: ESTA Conference in Manchester 2003. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 28(3/4), 11-16.
  • King C. 2003. Turning Science Teachers on to Earth Science. Geology Today, vol. 19(1), 30-32.
  • King C and Kennett P. 2002. Earth Science Contexts for Teaching Physics. Part 1: Why teach physics in an Earth science context?. Physics Education, vol. 37(6), 467-469.
  • King C and Kennett P. 2002. Earth Science Contexts for Teaching Physics. Part 2: Contexts relating to the teaching of Energy, the Earth and Beyond and Radiation. Physics Education, vol. 37(6), 470-477.
  • King C and Kennett P. 2002. Earth Science Contexts for Teaching Physics. Part 3: Contexts relating to the teaching of waves, forces and motion, electricity and magnetism. Physics Education, vol. 37(6), 478-484.
  • King C. 2002. Highlights from the post-16 "bring and share" session at the ESTA Conference, Kingston 2001. Teaching Earth Sciences.
  • King C. 2002. Teaching through explanatory stories: "The dynamic Earth's Crust". School Science Review, vol. 83(304), 63-72.
  • King C. 2002. The secrets of Plasticine balls and the structure of the Earth: investigation through discussion. Physics Education, vol. 37(6), 485-491.
  • King C. 2002. Thinking geology: activities to develop thinking skills in geology lessons. Teaching Earth Sciences.
  • King C. 2001. Earth science teaching in England and Wales today: progress and challenges. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 26(2), 59-67.
  • King C. 2001. Highlights from the post-16 "bring and share" session at the ESTA Conference, Swansea 2000. Teaching Earth Sciences, vol. 26(1), 41-43.
  • King C. 2001. Presenting the "big ideas" of science effectively: Earth science examples. School Science Review, vol. 83(3003), 47-53.
  • King C. 2001. The response of teachers to new content in a National Science Curriculum: the case of the Earth-science component. Science Education. doi>

Chapters

  • King CJH and Kennett P. 2003. Twenty First Century Science. In Twenty First Century Science. Organisation OCR, Group UOYSE, Centre NC (Eds.). (module 3 ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • King C. 2002. The "explanatory stories" approach to a curriculum for Global Science Literacy. In Global Science Literacy. Mayer V (Ed.). Kluwer, Dordrecht.

Other

  • King CJH, Edwards N, Hughes H. 2004. Earth Science in GCSE Double Award Science Specifications.
  • King CJH. 2004. Engaging students with rock exposures - asking scientific questions in the field. Proceedings of the Geological Society of America Conference: Abstracts with Programs.
  • King CJH and Lydon S. 2004. Teaching science in an Earth Context. Conference proceedings of the 32nd International Geological Congress: Abstracts Pt2.
  • King CJH. 2004. Through geoscience to life: developing thinking and investigational skills in lab and field. Proceedings of the Geoscience Africa 2004 Conference: Abstract volume.
  • King C. 2003. Breathing new life into Earth Science Teaching. Earth Heritage.
  • Lydon S and King C. 2003. Earth science in secondary schools in England and Wales: teacher attitudes and levels of teaching - Abstract. Earth Science for the Global Community: Conference Proceedings.
  • King C. 2003. Geoscience and beyond: developing thinking and investigational skills. Keynote speech abstract. Earth Science for the Gobal Community: Conference Proceedings.
  • King C. 2003. Introductions to the rock cycle. The chemical weathering of limestone. The Earth's crust versus the prep room - why the differences? Plate riding - questions on plate techtonics.
  • King C and Kennett P. 2003. Module 3: Earth in the Universe. Twenty First Century Science: Teachers' Resource - Modules 1-3.
  • Fleming A, Fleming Z, King C. 2003. The periodic table in the environment - abstract. Earth Science for the Global Community: Conference Proceedings.
  • King C. 2003. Using research to reveal the Earth - a UK experience. Abstract. Earth Science for the Global Community: Conference Proceedings.
  • King C, Fleming A, Kennett P, Thompson D. 2002. A report on the Earth Science Content of commonly used Secondary Science Textbooks.
  • King C. 2002. Using research as a lever for action: the Earth Science Education Unit experience in the UK. Policy, Research and Practice: creating a voioe for the profession. Final program and abstracts of the NARST Annual Conference.
  • King C. 2001. Issues with the teaching of National Curriculum Earth Science and a remedy through the "teaching the Dynamic Earth" INSET workshops. SciCentre 2000 and ASET Conference Report.
  • King C. 2001. Teaching and motivating teachers of Earth science and developing a global science literacy perspective - the dynamic rock cycle workshop. International Symposium on global science literacy - implications for pre-college Earth science curriculum.
  • King CJH, Kennett P, Devon E. Earthlearningidea - Website.
  • PGCE Main Methods science course
  • PGCE Supplementary Studies Geology/Earth science course
  • Foundation Earth Science module for the 36-week chemistry/physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement course
  • Supervision of PGCE Science students on placement.