Teaching Constructivist Science, K-8
Nurturing Natural Investigators in the Standards-Based Classroom
- Michael L. Bentley - University of Tennessee, USA
- Edward S. Ebert II - Coker College, USA
- Christine Ebert - University of South Carolina, USA
Science Methods
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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.
