Professor Chris King
- Title
- Emeritus Professor
- Location
Biography
Chris King was awarded a Geology degree from Bristol University before becoming a diamond prospector for De Beers over five years, in South Africa, Swaziland and Australia. He was lucky enough to find a diamond mine during this time. After leaving De Beers, he was awarded a distinction in an MSc in ‘Sedimentology’ by Reading University before undertaking teacher training in science and geology education at Keele University.
On leaving Keele, Chris was appointed as a geology teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, where he worked for 19 years becoming Head of lower school Science and School Development Officer. In 1996 he was appointed by Keele University as the Earth science/geology specialist on the science teacher training team. Since then he has been Science Team Leader on more than one occasion and has served as Head of the Department of Education for two years.
In 1993 Chris was involved in the organisation of the first International Conference in Geoscience Education. Later, he 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. He is currently a Council member of IGEO and Vice-Chair of the International Union of Geological Sciences Commission on Geoscience Education (IUGS-COGE).
Chris is Director of the Earth Science Education Unit (ESEU), based at Keele which, over the past 15 years, has presented CPD workshops though a national facilitator network to more than 30,000 teachers across the UK. Feedback has been excellent and ESEU research has demonstrated chances in teaching as a result of ESEU professional development with the potential to improve the Earth science education of millions of pupils.
For many years Chris has been involved in the Earth Science Teachers’ Association (ESTA)(past-Chair, currently Chair of the Secondary Committee) and the Earth Science Education Forum (current Chair).
He has co-written an A-level Geology textbook (for 16-18 year olds) (1999) and more recently a GCSE Geology textbook (for 14-16 year olds) that is freely downloadable from the internet (2010), whilst contributing to a range of other science textbooks and resources. He has more than 200 publications overall, with over 30 of these in peer-reviewed journals. He is referee for several international journals.
He co-edited ESTA’s ‘Science of the Earth’ series. Many of the ideas contained therein have since been developed into Earthlearningideas, published on the Earthlearningidea website that he instigated in 2007. More than 200 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), Korean, Polish and Catalan. The freely downloadable activities are currently published at the rate of every two weeks.
Chris has made presentations and conducted workshops at many international conferences and venues across the world.
In 2003 he was awarded the Geological Society’s ‘Distinguished Service Award’ 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'.
He became Professor of Earth Science Education at Keele University in 2006. Chris retired from Keele in December 2015.
Research and scholarship
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
- Reviewer for the Journal of Science Education and Technology
- Reviewer for Computers in Education
- Associate Editor of the Journal of Geoscience Education.
- Editorial Associate of the Association for Science Education (ASE) Journal, School Science Review.
Publications in the past 5 years
Authored book
- King, C. (2010) The planet we live on – the beginning of the Earth Sciences. Published electronically in March 2010 for free download on the Basic Books in Science website at: http://www.learndev.org/ScienceWorkBooks.html#anchor768807 183 pp
Edited collection
- King, C. & Oldershaw, C. (Eds) (2012) Earth Science-themed School Science Review, 94(347). ISSN 0036-6811
Chapters in books
- Kennett, P. & King, C. (2014) Using Darwin to teach Earth science: the importance of hands-on enquiry. 177-196. In Darwin Inspired Learning. Ed. Boulter, C.J., Reiss, M. J. & Sanders, D.L. Pub. Sense: Rotterdam. ISSN 978 94 6209 831 2.
- King, C. (2013) A review of the Earth science content of Science Textbooks in England and Wales. In Myint Swe Khine (ed) Critical Analysis of Science Textbooks: evaluating instructional effectiveness, 123-160. Dordrecht: Springer. ISBN. 978-007-4167-6.
- King, C. (2013). Using Research to Promote Action in Earth Science: Professional Development for Teachers. In, Vincent Tong (ed) Geoscience Research and Education. 311-334. Dordrecht: Springer. ISBN 978-94-007-6942-7
Articles in peer-reviewed journals:
- King, C. (2015) The international geoscience school syllabus and its development. Episodes international journal of geoscience, 38.1, 57-74. ISSN: 0705-3797
- Clarke, J., Garrett, C., Howarth, S., King, C., Perry, J., Tas, M., Twidle J. and Warhurst, A. (2014) The Early Career Development of Science teachers, from Initial Training Onwards: Ideas for a New and Better Programme of Training and Development. School Science Review, 95(353), 95-106. ISSN 0036-6811
- King, C. (2014) The Earth Science Education Unit’s professional development workshop on ‘The carbon question – cycling, releasing, capturing’ for teachers of key stages 3 and 4. School Science Review, 96(354), 123-129. ISSN 0036-6811.
- Devon, E., Kennett, P. & King, C. (2013) Amazing Planet – action-packed science. School Science Review, 95(351) 45-49. ISSN 0036-6811.
- King, C., Kennett, P., & Devon, E. (2013) Earthlearningidea: a worldwide web-based resource of simple but effective teaching activities. Journal of Geoscience Education, 61, 37-52.
- King, C. & Hyden, F. (2012) ‘Have I got science news for you?’: science coverage by UK national newspapers – an update. School Science Review, 94(349), 89-95.
- King. C. (2012) Earth science: theme editorial. School Science Review. 94(347) 23-24. ISSN 0036-6811.
- King. C. and 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.
- King, C. J. H. (2010) An Analysis of Misconceptions in Science Textbooks: Earth science in England and Wales. International Journal of Science Education, 32: 5, 565 – 601. ISSN 1464-5289.
Selected Publications
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2019. What Pattern of Progression in Geoscience Fieldwork can be Recognised by Geoscience Educators?. Geosciences, 192, vol. 9(5). doi> link> full text>
Full Publications Listshow
Books
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McWeeny R (Ed.). 2010. The planet we live on: The beginning of the Earth Sciences. (vol. 6).
Journal Articles
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2019. What Pattern of Progression in Geoscience Fieldwork can be Recognised by Geoscience Educators?. Geosciences, 192, vol. 9(5). doi> link> full text>
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2010. Teaching ideas from the 'Bring and Share' at the Post-16 Day, ESTA Conference, Southampton 2009. Teaching Earth Sciences, 11-17, vol. 35(1).
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2009. 'Bring and Share' ideas from the post-16 day at the ESTA Conference, Liverpool, 2008. Teaching Earth Sciences, 43-56, vol. 34(1).
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2009. Can a single, short CPD workshop cause change in the classroom?. Journal of In-Service Education, 63-82, vol. 35(1). doi>
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2009. Earthlearningidea: Neuvos recursos para la enseňanza de las ciencias de la tierra en todo el mundo. Ensenanza de las Ciencias de la Tierra, 2-15, vol. 17(1).
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2009. Peter Kennett - the first 70 years. Teaching Earth Sciences, 9-12, vol. 34(2).
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2008. Belfast 'bring and share'. Teaching Earth Sciences, 38-43, vol. 33(2).
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2008. Earthlearningidea - ideas for the International Year of Plant Earth. Geology Today, 68-70, vol. 24(2).
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2008. Earthlearningidea - ideas for the International Year of Plant Earth. Geology Today, 68-70, vol. 24(2).
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2008. KS4 plate tectonics through the window. Teaching Earth Sciences, 44-50, vol. 33(2).
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2008. The Earth science misconceptions of some science writers - how wrong can they be?. Teaching Earth Sciences, 9-11, vol. 33(2).
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2008. Which science specification should you choose for its Earth science content?. Teaching Earth Sciences, 31-36, vol. 33(1).
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2007. Bristol 'Bring and share', September 2006. Teaching Earth Sciences, 12-18, vol. 32(2).
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2007. Communicating Earth Science - ESTA, ESEU & BGS. Teaching Earth Sciences, 12-15, vol. 32(1).
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2007. Earthlearningidea - ideas and discussion across the globe for the International Year of Planet Earth. Earth Science Ireland, 19-20, vol. 2.
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2007. Earthlearningidea - ideas and discussion across the globe for the International Year of Planet Earth. Teaching Earth Sciences, 38, vol. 32(3/4).
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2007. Earthlearningidea - ideas and discussion across the globe for the International Year of Planet Earth. Geoscientist, 22-23, vol. 17(8).
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2007. Earthlearningidea across the globe. GA Magazine, 6-7, vol. 6(4).
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2007. Earthlearningidea for the International Year of Planet Earth. Science Education International, vol. 18.
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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, 272-286, vol. 35.
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2007. Enseňar Geologia a los profesores de ciencias: la experiencia de la Earth Science Education Unit (ESEU). Ensenanza de Ciencias de la Tierra, 142-149, vol. 14(2).
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2007. Science in an Earth/Environmental Context: Global, Local, Individual Science. School Science Review, 35-44, vol. 89(326).
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2007. What earth science might form the core of a new Earth/environmental science GCSE?. School Science Review, 71-78, vol. 89(327).
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2006. Derby Conference Post-16 'Bring and Share' September 2005. Teaching Earth Sciences, 20-21, vol. 31(3).
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2006. ESEU reaches a million children. GA Magazine, 20, vol. 5(2).
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2006. How to bring Geoscience to the Public - a 'Science Week' experience. Geology Today, 227-231, vol. 22. doi>
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2006. Inspiring the new generation to opt for A level geology. Teaching Earth Sciences, 26-29, vol. 31(4).
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2006. Putting Earth science into its outdoor context. School Science Review, 53-60, vol. 87(320).
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2006. The A level geology challenge. Teaching Earth Sciences, 29-31, vol. 31(1).
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2006. What the papers say: science coverage by UK national newspapers. School Science Review, 81-86, vol. 88(322).
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2005. Edinburgh's 'Bring and Share'. Teaching Earth Sciences, 10-15, vol. 30(3).
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2005. How effectively do science textbooks teach earth science?. School Science Review, 95-104, vol. 87(318).
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2005. How exams work - the structures behind setting, marking and awarding A-level exams. Teaching Earth Sciences, 18-19, vol. 30(3).
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2005. The new National Curriculum for Science KS4 Programme of Study and the new GCSE Criteria for Science in England. Teaching Earth Sciences, 23-25, vol. 30(2).
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2004. How can we use our local quarry?. Teaching Earth Sciences, 16-17, vol. 29(2).
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2004. The Earth Science Education Unit Any Quarry Guide. Teaching Earth Sciences, 7-15, vol. 29(2).
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2003. Can you believe everything you read? What some science textbooks say about Earth Science. Teaching Earth Sciences, 8-13, vol. 28(2).
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2003. Les sciences de la terre dans l'enseignement secondaire - Royanne-Uni. Géologues.
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2003. New activities and approaches from the Post 16"Bring and Share"session, ESTA 2002 Conference, British Geological Survey. Teaching Earth Sciences, 11-21, vol. 28(1).
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2003. Post-16 "Bring and Share" goes from strength to strength: ESTA Conference in Manchester 2003. Teaching Earth Sciences, 11-16, vol. 28(3/4).
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2003. Turning Science Teachers on to Earth Science. Geology Today, 30-32, vol. 19(1).
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2002. Earth Science Contexts for Teaching Physics. Part 1: Why teach physics in an Earth science context?. Physics Education, 467-469, vol. 37(6). doi>
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2002. Earth Science Contexts for Teaching Physics. Part 2: Contexts relating to the teaching of Energy, the Earth and Beyond and Radiation. Physics Education, 470-477, vol. 37(6). doi>
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2002. Earth Science Contexts for Teaching Physics. Part 3: Contexts relating to the teaching of waves, forces and motion, electricity and magnetism. Physics Education, 478-484, vol. 37(6). doi>
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2002. Highlights from the post-16 "bring and share" session at the ESTA Conference, Kingston 2001. Teaching Earth Sciences.
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2002. Teaching through explanatory stories: "The dynamic Earth's Crust". School Science Review, 63-72, vol. 83(304).
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2002. The secrets of Plasticine balls and the structure of the Earth: investigation through discussion. Physics Education, 485-491, vol. 37(6). doi>
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2002. Thinking geology: activities to develop thinking skills in geology lessons. Teaching Earth Sciences.
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2001. Earth science teaching in England and Wales today: progress and challenges. Teaching Earth Sciences, 59-67, vol. 26(2).
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2001. Highlights from the post-16 "bring and share" session at the ESTA Conference, Swansea 2000. Teaching Earth Sciences, 41-43, vol. 26(1).
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2001. Presenting the "big ideas" of science effectively: Earth science examples. School Science Review, 47-53, vol. 83(3003).
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2001. The response of teachers to new content in a National Science Curriculum: the case of the Earth-science component. Science Education. doi>
Chapters
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2003. Twenty First Century Science. In Twenty First Century Science. Organisation OCR, Group UOYSE, Centre NC (Eds.). (module 3 ed.). Oxford University Press.
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2002. The "explanatory stories" approach to a curriculum for Global Science Literacy. In Global Science Literacy. Mayer V (Ed.). Kluwer, Dordrecht.
Other
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2004. Earth Science in GCSE Double Award Science Specifications.
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2004. Engaging students with rock exposures - asking scientific questions in the field. Proceedings of the Geological Society of America Conference: Abstracts with Programs.
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2004. Teaching science in an Earth Context. Conference proceedings of the 32nd International Geological Congress: Abstracts Pt2.
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2004. Through geoscience to life: developing thinking and investigational skills in lab and field. Proceedings of the Geoscience Africa 2004 Conference: Abstract volume.
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2003. Breathing new life into Earth Science Teaching. Earth Heritage.
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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.
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2003. Geoscience and beyond: developing thinking and investigational skills. Keynote speech abstract. Earth Science for the Gobal Community: Conference Proceedings.
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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.
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2003. Module 3: Earth in the Universe. Twenty First Century Science: Teachers' Resource - Modules 1-3.
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2003. The periodic table in the environment - abstract. Earth Science for the Global Community: Conference Proceedings.
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2003. Using research to reveal the Earth - a UK experience. Abstract. Earth Science for the Global Community: Conference Proceedings.
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2002. A report on the Earth Science Content of commonly used Secondary Science Textbooks.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Earthlearningidea - Website.
