Teaching Science as Inquiry, 11th Edition

Teaching Science as Inquiry introduces prospective and experienced teachers to the science content, teaching strategies, and inquiry activities necessary to teach science in contemporary ways.  In addition, the inclusion of the National Science Education standards will provide all readers a useful framework for making instructional decisions. 

 

Traditional learning focuses on learning about things.  The teacher dispenses the information and the student receives it.  The inquiry approach emphasizes how we learn things rather than just what we know.  Instead of just memorizing facts, students are actively involved in learning.  Learning becomes fun when students are fascinated by something and it reflects their interests, goals, and experiences.

 

Using a two-part structure–Methods for Teaching Science as Inquiry and Activities for Teaching Science as Inquiry–this book will empower teachers to successfully bring inquiry into the science classroom.  The Methods portion scaffolds concepts and illustrates instructional models.  The Activities portion follows the 5-E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate,) a Learning Cycle model that reflects the NSES Science as Inquiry Standards. 

Chapter 1    Children, Science, and Inquiry: Some Preliminary Questions

                    What Does It Mean to Teach Science As Inquiry?

                    Why Should Children Learn Science?

                    U.S. Science Education: Where Have We Been, Where Are We Now, Where Are We Going?

                    What Shall We Teach in Science?

                    Science and Technology

                    Teachers and Inquiry

Chapter 2    Processes and Strategies for Inquiry

                    Processes of Science

                    Descriptive, Classificatory, and Experimental Investigations

                    Teachers, Children, and Inquiry

Chapter 3    Learning Science with Understanding

                    The New View of Learning

                    Enhancing the Understanding of Science

                    Children's Alternative Conceptions and Science Learning

                    Development, Learning, and Science Teaching

Chapter 4    Teaching Science for Understanding: The 5-E Model of Instruction

                    Inquiry Instruction

                    The 5-E Model of Science Instruction

                    Guided Discovery, Textbook, and Direct Instruction

                    Approaches to Teaching Science

                    Research on the Effectiveness of Different Approaches to Science Instruction

                    Selecting Instructional Approaches for Teaching Science

Chapter 5    Planning and Managing Inquiry Instruction

                    Planning Science Lessons

                    Managing Inquiry Instruction and Learning

Chapter 6    Assessing Science Learning

                    Assessment and Evaluation

                    Assessment and Inquiry Science

                    Informal, Traditional, and Performance Assessments

                    Fitting Assessment Methods to Learning Objectives

                    Examples of Informal Assessments

                    Examples of Performance Assessment

                    Examples of Traditional Assessment Items

                    Characteristics of Items on Statewide Tests of Science

Chapter 7    Effective Questioning

                    Questioning: An Essential Tool for Teachers

                    Questioning to Guide Inquiry Discussions

                    Responding to Student Ideas

                    Questioning Strategies in the Classroom: Properties of Air in First Grade

                    Some Considerations in Questioning

Chapter 8    Technology Tools and Resources for Inquiry Science

                    Educational Technology

                    The Internet as a Technology Resource for Inquiry Science

                    Use Commercially Available Multimedia Packages to Enhance Science Inquiry

                    Use Instructional Software Packages

                    Use Computer-Based Laboratories to Collect and Process Data

                    Use Spreadsheets to Organize and Analyze Data

                    Communicate Through Multimedia Presentations

                    Managing Educational Technology in the Science Classroom

                    Take the Plunge-Join the Information Age

Chapter 9    Connecting Science With Other Subjects

                    Connecting Science and Mathematics

                    Connecting Science and Literacy

                    Connecting Science and Social Studies

Chapter 10    Science for All Learners

                    Students with Special Learning Needs

                    Science for Gifted and Talented Students

                    Science for Students from Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Backgrounds

 

ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING SCIENCE AS INQUIRY

Section I:    Teaching Inquiry Science Activities

Section II:    Physical Sciences Activities

Section III:    Life Science Activities

Section IV:    Earth and Space Science Activities

 

APPENDICES

Appendix A:    Safety Suggestions for Elementary and Middle School Inquiry Activities

Appendix B:    Measuring Tools, Measuring Skills

Appendix C:    Selected Sources of Science Supplies, Models, Living Things, Kits, and Software

Appendix D:    Selected Science Education Periodicals for Teachers and Children

Appendix E:    Professional Societies for Teachers, Supervisors, and Science Educators

Appenidx F:    Contemporary Elementary Science Projects and Programs