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Teaching Constructivist Science, K-8
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Teaching Constructivist Science, K-8
Nurturing Natural Investigators in the Standards-Based Classroom

First Edition

Courses:
Science Methods

February 2007 | 248 pages | Corwin

Invite young minds to engage in meaningful, standards-based science!

Good teachers know that science is more than just a collection of facts in a textbook and that teaching science goes beyond the mere transmission of information. Actively engaging students in the learning process is critical to building their knowledge base, assessing progress, and meeting science standards. Teaching Constructivist Science, K–8 shows teachers how to transform students' natural curiosity into dynamic learning opportunities. By helping students construct new knowledge using the understandings they bring to the classroom, teachers can make the most of instruction and new learning experiences. With practical applications, teaching strategies, activities, and assessment tools, this reader-friendly book demonstrates how to teach student-ready, standards-based science.

Teachers will be able to use:

  • Classic and new activities to teach big ideas with basic materials
  • An interview approach for uncovering student misunderstandings that block new learning
  • A rich resource list for finding materials and organizations
  • Guidelines for building a science-friendly environment
  • Sample lessons and learning experiences aligned to national science standards
  • Discussion questions for teacher study groups in each chapter

For both experienced and novice teachers, this accessible resource provides the perfect method to teach science in sound ways that make sense to students.


 
List of Figures
 
List of Tables
 
List of Activities
 
About the Authors
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
Part I. Foundations for Teaching Science
 
1. The World of the Scientist and the Nature of Science
 
2. The Content of K-8 Science
 
3. Characteristics of the Science Learner: Development in Childhood and Adolescence
 
Part II. Teaching Children Science: Approaches and Strategies
 
4. Developing the Classroom Curriculum
 
5. Engaging Students in Inquiry: Skills and Investigative Techniques
 
6. Designing Science Lessons for All: Differentiating Instruction
 
7. Making Real-World Connections
 
Part III. Planning, Management, Assessment, and Resources
 
8. Nuts and Bolts: Organizing and Managing the Classroom for Inquiry
 
9. Assessment and Evaluation
 
10. A Compendium of Resources
 
A Professional Development Bibliography
 
References
 
Index

"Provides not just more, but why and how to! A much-needed book with wonderful strategies for setting up an inquiry-based classroom, choosing significant topics for investigation, differentiating within an inquiry-based classroom, and assessing learning."

Bena Kallick, Education Consultant

"One of the best I have read! A well-written and beneficial professional development resource for inservice elementary teachers wishing to expand their knowledge or refresh their memory."

Christine Anne Royce, Assistant Professor of Education
Shippensburg University

"So easy to follow, including the lists, figures, tables, and activities. The coverage of science methods includes everything I consider a priority to incorporate into a methods class, including the many real-life strategies and examples."

Jerry Clemens, Science Educator, Lake Zurich Middle School North, Hawthorn Woods, IL
Science Methods Instructor, National-Louis University

"Used for systemwide inservice, this book could serve as a framework for lesson development, critique, analysis, and modification. For those just starting out, there are copious useful materials included."

NSTA Recommends

This book is a great price for our students and for the resources it includes I appreciate the sections on the Nature of Science, the websites at the back, as well as practical tips for classrooms. The students like the flow of the book and appreciate how clearly explained the 7E format is throughout.

Mrs Catherine Scott
Curriculum Instruction Dept, University of North Carolina - Greensboro
October 18, 2010
Key features
  • Original activities enrich teaching and learning
  • Constructivist theory connects to practical lesson planning and teaching
  • Learning experiences align to national science standards
  • Resource list provides guide for building science friendly environment
  • Special strategies support special education students and ELLs

Select a Purchasing Option


Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412925754
$94.95