Methods for Teaching Science as Inquiry

Methods for Teaching Science as Inquiry introduces prospective and experienced teachers to the science content and teaching strategies necessary to teach science in contemporary ways. 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. The primary focus of this book is on the 5-E Model (Engaging, Exploring, Explaining, Elaborating, and Evaluating,) a Learning Cycle Model that reflects the NSES Science as Inquiry Standards. The inclusion of these standards will provide all readers a useful framework for making instructional decisions. Classroom scenarios throughout the book illustrate strategies of inquiry instruction and introduce readers to important science concepts. The scenarios also provide opportunities for readers to develop more science knowledge themselves.For the instructor whose sole focus is methods, the ten chapters of this core text scaffold concepts and illustrate instructional models to help readers understand the inquiry approach to teaching.

Table of Contents:
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