INTERACTIVE STORIES

The story books are fun activities where pages can be turned onscreen. You can read the story aloud or have the children or recorded narrator read the story whilst the words are highlighted. There are two reading levels available - the 'full story' version or the simpler 'short story' version - which can be selected depending on the age and ability of the pupils. Both of these versions can be paused at any point to allow time for discussion about specific words or sentences. The lesson plans also contain useful word banks to help you communicate scientific terms and concepts in child-friendly language.

Methodology: All of the controls are at the base to allow young children to reach on interactive whiteboards. If you are using a personal computer, you can use a mouse as usual.

• Click on the 'full story' button to access the full story. Click on the 'short story' button to access the easy version.
• Use the arrow keys by the 'turn page' button or drag the page itself to turn pages forwards or backwards.
• Use the 'sound' button to turn the sound on or off.
• Use the 'play' button to have the story read out aloud, with synchronised words highlighting.
• Use the 'pause' button to pause the story.
• Use the 'stop' button to return to the beginning.

A Drop of Oil is based on the theme of 'Energy'. It is a colourful, non-fiction account of how fossil fuels are formed and how they are used today (e.g. from generating electricity to making plastics). The story can be followed by a related activity idea - 'Marbling'.

A Slippery Day explores 'Forces'. Different scenarios involving the use of friction are introduced through the adventures of two children (e.g. racing toy cars on a carpet, car wheels spinning in the snow) - lots of scope for discussion! The story can be followed by a related activity idea - 'Slipping'.

What Am I? is based on the theme of 'Materials'. It contains simple facts about the properties of different materials (e.g. metal, wood, cotton) and their source. The reader must identify the material from the description. The story can be followed by a related activity idea - 'Make Your Own Handprint'.