Designing Project-based Science

Designing Project-based Science

Author: Joseph L. Polman

Publisher:

Published: 2000-01

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 9780807739136

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This interpretive case study of an exceptional teacher provides a fascinating account of the difficulties and rewards of putting innovative teaching into practice. Joseph Polman uses richly detailed descriptions of classroom life to explore one teacher's attempts to make technology-enhanced, open-ended inquiry a successful mode of teaching science in the secondary school classroom. The book provides lively examples of what it means to "learn by doing," describing strategies that educators can use to move beyond traditional textbook approaches and interact with their students in ways that encourage them to become active science learners. The book explores the complexity of changing practice, detailing the conflicts that emerge when a teacher challenges traditional approaches to teaching and learning, and provides a historical and theoretical background for understanding current controversies in educational practices. By analyzing teacher and student work within the context of the entire school, Polman demonstrates how the structural and cultural realities of the school itself complicate the enactment of pedagogical innovation in the classroom.


Thinking Through Project-Based Learning

Thinking Through Project-Based Learning

Author: Jane Krauss

Publisher: Corwin Press

Published: 2013-03-20

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 1452202567

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Everything you need to know to lead effective and engaging project-based learning! Are you eager to try out project-based learning, but don't know where to start? How do you ensure that classroom projects help students develop critical thinking skills and meet rigorous standards? Find the answers in this step-by-step guide, written by authors who are both experienced teachers and project-based learning experts. Thinking Through Projects shows you how to create a more interactive classroom environment where students engage, learn, and achieve. Teachers will find: A reader-friendly overview of project-based learning that includes current findings on brain development and connections with Common Core standards, Numerous how-to's and sample projects for every K-12 grade level, Strategies for integrating project learning into all main subject areas, across disciplines, and with current technology and social media and Ways to involve the community through student field research, special guests, and ideas for showcasing student work. Whether you are new to project-based learning or ready to strengthen your existing classroom projects, you'll find a full suite of strategies and tools in this essential book.


Inquiry-based Science Education

Inquiry-based Science Education

Author: Robyn M. Gillies

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2020-01-24

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 1000036316

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Students often think of science as disconnected pieces of information rather than a narrative that challenges their thinking, requires them to develop evidence-based explanations for the phenomena under investigation, and communicate their ideas in discipline-specific language as to why certain solutions to a problem work. The author provides teachers in primary and junior secondary school with different evidence-based strategies they can use to teach inquiry science in their classrooms. The research and theoretical perspectives that underpin the strategies are discussed as are examples of how different ones areimplemented in science classrooms to affect student engagement and learning. Key Features: Presents processes involved in teaching inquiry-based science Discusses importance of multi-modal representations in teaching inquiry based-science Covers ways to develop scientifically literacy Uses the Structure of Observed learning Outcomes (SOLO) Taxonomy to assess student reasoning, problem-solving and learning Presents ways to promote scientific discourse, including teacher-student interactions, student-student interactions, and meta-cognitive thinking


Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards

Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2000-05-03

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 0309064767

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Humans, especially children, are naturally curious. Yet, people often balk at the thought of learning scienceâ€"the "eyes glazed over" syndrome. Teachers may find teaching science a major challenge in an era when science ranges from the hardly imaginable quark to the distant, blazing quasar. Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards is the book that educators have been waiting forâ€"a practical guide to teaching inquiry and teaching through inquiry, as recommended by the National Science Education Standards. This will be an important resource for educators who must help school boards, parents, and teachers understand "why we can't teach the way we used to." "Inquiry" refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and in which students grasp science knowledge and the methods by which that knowledge is produced. This book explains and illustrates how inquiry helps students learn science content, master how to do science, and understand the nature of science. This book explores the dimensions of teaching and learning science as inquiry for K-12 students across a range of science topics. Detailed examples help clarify when teachers should use the inquiry-based approach and how much structure, guidance, and coaching they should provide. The book dispels myths that may have discouraged educators from the inquiry-based approach and illuminates the subtle interplay between concepts, processes, and science as it is experienced in the classroom. Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards shows how to bring the standards to life, with features such as classroom vignettes exploring different kinds of inquiries for elementary, middle, and high school and Frequently Asked Questions for teachers, responding to common concerns such as obtaining teaching supplies. Turning to assessment, the committee discusses why assessment is important, looks at existing schemes and formats, and addresses how to involve students in assessing their own learning achievements. In addition, this book discusses administrative assistance, communication with parents, appropriate teacher evaluation, and other avenues to promoting and supporting this new teaching paradigm.


The Go-To Guide for Engineering Curricula, Grades 6-8

The Go-To Guide for Engineering Curricula, Grades 6-8

Author: Cary I. Sneider

Publisher: Corwin Press

Published: 2014-11-25

Total Pages: 377

ISBN-13: 1483386341

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How to engineer change in your middle school science classroom With the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards, your students won’t just be scientists—they’ll be engineers. But that doesn’t mean you need to reinvent the wheel. Respected science educator Cary Sneider has done the groundwork for you, collecting a full range of time-tested curriculum materials to seamlessly weave engineering and technology concepts into your math and science lessons. In this volume, you’ll find descriptions of instructional materials specifically created for—and tested in—middle school science classrooms. Features include A handy table that takes you straight to the chapters most relevant to your needs In-depth commentaries and illustrative examples that demystify engineering curricula at the middle school level A vivid picture of what each curriculum looks like in the classroom, the learning goals it accomplishes, and how it helps address the NGSS More information on the integration of engineering and technology into 21st-century science classrooms—and why it will make a difference One of the most well-respected science educators in the country, Cary Sneider was an NGSS Writing Team Leader and is an associate research professor at Portland State University. "This publication uses hands-on explorations that impact students by getting them to think like an engineer. It′s also great for exploring the engineering world through experiences using science and engineering, and for the actual doing of science and engineering using the design process." —Kendall Starkweather, Executive Director International Technology Education Association "This book will help you engage your students in grade-level engineering activities. All you need to do is pick it up and get ready to implement it in your classroom." —Jo Ann Vasquez, Vice President Educational Practice for Helios Education Foundation


Project-Based Inquiry Units for Young Children

Project-Based Inquiry Units for Young Children

Author: Colleen MacDonell

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2006-11-01

Total Pages: 135

ISBN-13: 1586833804

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Set in the wider context of the project approach to learning, this book addresses the needs of both library media specialists and teachers in preschool, kindergarten, and primary grades. Educators who want to use stories and nonfiction to promote independent learning in young children will love this book. The reader will find practical hands-on activities where each sample lesson includes content, learning goals, and strategies for teaching and assessing learning. Librarians and teachers will learn not only how to guide young children through the research process, but also the important why to do this. These developmentally appropriate research lessons are ready to teach for grades preschool through second.


Science As Inquiry

Science As Inquiry

Author: Jack Hassard

Publisher: Good Year Books

Published: 2011-03

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 1596473843

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"Aligns to Common Core state standards"--Cover.


Sensemaking in Elementary Science

Sensemaking in Elementary Science

Author: Elizabeth A. Davis

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-10-16

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 0429761198

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Grounded in empirical research, this book offers concrete pathways to direct attention towards elementary science teaching that privileges sensemaking, rather than isolated activities and vocabulary. Outlining a clear vision for this shift using research-backed tools, pedagogies, and practices to support teacher learning and development, this edited volume reveals how teachers can best engage in teaching that supports meaningful learning and understanding in elementary science classrooms. Divided into three sections, this book demonstrates the skills, knowledge bases, and research-driven practices necessary to make a fundamental shift towards a focus on students’ ideas and reasoning, and covers topics such as: An introduction to sensemaking in elementary science; Positioning students at the center of sensemaking; Planning and enacting investigation-based science discussions; Designing a practice-based elementary teacher education program; Reflections on science teacher education and professional development for reform-based elementary science. In line with current reform efforts, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Sensemaking in Elementary Science is the perfect resource for graduate students and researchers in science education, elementary education, teacher education, and STEM education looking to explore effective practice, approaches, and development within the elementary science classroom.