Nuturing+Natural+Investigators+Resource+BL

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

Authors: Bentley, Michael L.; Eberi., Edward S., II; Ebert. Christine

Source: Corwin Press Peer-Reviewed: No Publisher: Corwin Press, A SAGE Publications Company. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: order@sagspub.com; Web site; http://www.corwinpress.com Publication Date: 2007-02-22 Pages: 248

Abstract: 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. This book 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; and 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, This book comprises three parts and 10 chapters. Part I, Foundations for Teaching Science, presents: (1) The World of the Scientist and the Nature of Science; (2) The Content of K-S Science; and (3) Characteristics of the Science Learner: Development in Childhood and Adolescence. Part II, Teaching Children Science: Approaches and Strategies, continues with: (4) Developing the Classroom Curriculum; (5) Engaging Students in Inquiry: Skills and Investigative Techniques; (6) Designing Science Lessons for All: Differentiating Instruction; and (7) Making Real-World Connections, Part III, Planning, Management, Assessment, and Resources, contains: (8) Nuts and Bolts: Organizing and Managing lie Classroom for Inquiry; (9) Assessment and Evaluation; and (10) A Compendium of Resources. The book also contains: a list of references; an index; and a professional development bibliography.