A Guide to Teaching Elementary Science [electronic resource] : Ten Easy Steps /
Greenspan, Yvette F.author.
Nationally and internationally, educators now understand the critical importance of STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Today, the job of the classroom science teacher demands finding effective ways to meet current curricula standards and prepare students for a future in which a working knowledge of science and technology will dominate. But standards and goals don’t mean a thing unless we: • grab students’ attention; • capture and deepen children’s natural curiosity; • create an exciting learning environment that engages the learner; and • make science come alive inside and outside the classroom setting. A Guide to Teaching Elementary Science: Ten Easy Steps gives teachers, at all stages of classroom experience, exactly what the title implies. Written by lifelong educator Yvette Greenspan, this book is designed for busy classroom teachers who face tough conditions, from overcrowded classrooms to shrinking budgets, and too often end up anxious and overwhelmed by the challenges ahead and their desire for an excellent science program. This book: • helps teachers develop curricula compatible with the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core Standards; • provides easy-to-implement steps for setting up a science classroom, plus strategies for using all available resources to assemble needed teaching materials; • offers detailed sample lesson plans in each STEM subject, adaptable to age and ability and designed to embrace the needs of all learners; and • presents bonus information about organizing field trips and managing science fairs. Without question, effective science curricula can help students develop critical thinking skills and a lifelong passion for science. Yvette Greenspan received her doctorate degree in science education and has developed science curriculum at all levels. A career spent in teaching elementary students in an urban community, she now instructs college students, sharing her love for the teaching and learning of science. She considers it essential to encourage today’s students to be active learners and to concentrate on STEM topics that will help prepare them for the real world. .
Includes index.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Preface -- Acknowledgements -- List of Figures and Tables -- Introduction -- Part I: Ten Easy Steps -- Step One: Know What You Want to Accomplish -- Organize and Plan -- Planning a Science Curriculum -- The Need to be Flexible -- Key Points -- Step Two: Set the Stage -- The Constructivist Learning Theory -- Teacher Efficacy -- Questioning Techniques -- Develop a Science Discourse -- Enhance Students’ Natural Curiosity -- Key Points -- Step Three: Create a Learning Atmosphere -- Defining Expectations -- A Disciplined Approach -- Classroom Configuration -- Safety in Your Classroom -- Key Points -- Step Four: Integrate the Curriculum -- Why Integrate the Disciplines? -- Integrating Language Arts -- Integrating Mathematics -- Integrating Social Studies -- Integrating Art -- Integrating Engineering -- Key Points -- Step Five: Engage the Learner -- Grab Their Attention -- Inquiry-Based Learning -- Becoming Empowered -- Three Approaches of Inquiry-Based Learning -- The 5-E Instructional Model -- Examples Using the 5-E Instructional Model -- Teach All Learners -- Summing up -- Key Points -- Step Six: Assemble Your Materials -- Overcome Obstacles -- Plan Ahead and Gather Materials -- Establish a Place -- Motivate Your Students -- Key Points -- Step Seven: Establish Cooperative Learning Groups -- The Science Process Skills/Practices -- Learning Communication Skills -- Encouraging Interaction -- Structure or Non-Structure -- Key Points -- Step Eight: Implement Technology -- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – or STEM -- Technology in the Classroom -- Technology and Science -- Key Points -- Step Nine: Reflect and Assess -- Inquiry-Learning Assessments -- Three Kinds of Assessment -- How to Assess in an Inquiry-Based Science Classroom -- Formative Assessment Samples -- Commenting on Student-Written Work -- Reflect and Modify -- Key Points -- Step Ten: Extend and Apply -- Extend the Lesson and Apply Science to Everyday Life -- Science Fair Projects -- Field Trips -- Everyday Science -- Key Points -- Part II: Lesson Plans -- Physical Sciences: PS2 – Matter and Stability: Forces and Interactions -- Primary Lesson Plan: Moving Cars -- Intermediate Lesson Plan: Small Marble/Large Marble -- Life Sciences: LS2 – Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics -- Primary Lesson Plan: Food Pyramid -- Intermediate Lesson Plan: Animal Adaptation -- Earth and Space Sciences: ESS1 – Earth’s Place in the Universe -- Primary Lesson Plan: Learning about the Water Cycle -- Intermediate Lesson Plan: Weather Station -- Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: ETS1 – Engineering Design -- Primary Lesson Plan: Boat Building -- Intermediate Lesson Plan: Building Bridges -- Lesson Plan Favorites -- M&M’s Primary or Intermediate Lesson Plan -- Mystery Powder Primary or Intermediate Lesson Plan -- Parachutes Intermediate Lesson Plan -- Rocket Racers Intermediate Lesson Plan -- Swingers Intermediate Lesson Plan -- Observations Primary Lesson Plan -- Fingerprinting Primary or Intermediate Lesson Plan -- Conclusion -- Appendices -- Appendix I. Elements of a Science Fair Project -- Appendix II. Teacher-Made Assessments -- Appendix III. Learning Responsibilities -- Appendix IV. The Everglades Model -- Valuable Websites/Resources -- Index.
Nationally and internationally, educators now understand the critical importance of STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Today, the job of the classroom science teacher demands finding effective ways to meet current curricula standards and prepare students for a future in which a working knowledge of science and technology will dominate. But standards and goals don’t mean a thing unless we: • grab students’ attention; • capture and deepen children’s natural curiosity; • create an exciting learning environment that engages the learner; and • make science come alive inside and outside the classroom setting. A Guide to Teaching Elementary Science: Ten Easy Steps gives teachers, at all stages of classroom experience, exactly what the title implies. Written by lifelong educator Yvette Greenspan, this book is designed for busy classroom teachers who face tough conditions, from overcrowded classrooms to shrinking budgets, and too often end up anxious and overwhelmed by the challenges ahead and their desire for an excellent science program. This book: • helps teachers develop curricula compatible with the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core Standards; • provides easy-to-implement steps for setting up a science classroom, plus strategies for using all available resources to assemble needed teaching materials; • offers detailed sample lesson plans in each STEM subject, adaptable to age and ability and designed to embrace the needs of all learners; and • presents bonus information about organizing field trips and managing science fairs. Without question, effective science curricula can help students develop critical thinking skills and a lifelong passion for science. Yvette Greenspan received her doctorate degree in science education and has developed science curriculum at all levels. A career spent in teaching elementary students in an urban community, she now instructs college students, sharing her love for the teaching and learning of science. She considers it essential to encourage today’s students to be active learners and to concentrate on STEM topics that will help prepare them for the real world. .
Education.
Education, general.