It's what comes after the wow that counts

As the lead tutor for primary science in an initial teacher education institution, part of David Allen's role involves inspiring trainee primary school teachers to "want" to teach science. Their first science lecture is entitled 'Awe and Wonder' and this is delivered with the intention of modelling how dynamic hooks can be used with primary-age children to lead onto hands-on enquiry-based investigations. The aim is for the students to leave the lecture genuinely interested, potentially surprised, wanting to learn more and, perhaps most importantly, with a strong desire to use a similar approach in their own science teaching. This article describes how trainee teachers can capitalise on children's 'wow' moments to make connections between the learner and the topic, spark curiosity, and stimulate learning.