Teaching Children Science: Discovery Activities and Demonstrations for the Elementary and Middle Grades

This truncated, paperback volume is composed of lessons, activities, and elementary science content derived from the fifth edition of Joseph Abruscato's successful text, Teaching Children Science: A Discovery Approach. Intended for both pre-service and practicing teachers, the text provides elementary science content and activities that follow Abruscato's “discovery approach.” Current ideas are presented in a motivating, engaging style that will captivate the student and enhance the science classroom. The text is divided into three parts: Earth/Space, Life, and Physical Sciences. Each of these three areas begins with a lesson and unit planning chapter followed by “A” Chapters which present science content and “B” Chapters which contain activities and demonstrations for children cross-referenced to the NSE K-8 Science Standards. Through its structure, writing style, and attention to contemporary issues, this serves as an important volume for both pre-service and in-service teachers who want to create meaningful science experiences within the context of discovery learning.

Table of Contents:
PART I. EARTH/SPACE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY. 1.Unit, Lesson, and Enrichment Starter Ideas: The Earth Space/Sciences and Technology. Kelly's Gift. Assessing Prior Knowledge and Conceptions. Unit Plan Starter Ideas. Lesson Plan Starter Ideas for Common Curriculum Topics. Classroom Enrichment Starter Ideas. Science and Children and Science Scope: Resource Articles for Earth/Space Science Units, Lessons, Activities, and Demonstrations. 2A.The Earth's Surface, Atmosphere, and Weather: Content. Spaceship Earth: What Is It Made Of? The Earth's Atmosphere and Weather. Summary Outline. 2B.The Earth's Surface, Atmosphere, and Weather: Attention Getters, Discovery Activities, and Demonstrations. Attention Getters for Young Learners. Attention Getters for Middle-Level Learners. Discovery Activities for Young Learners. Discovery Activities for Middle-Level Learners. Demonstrations for Young Learners. Demonstrations for Middle-Level Learners. 3A.The Cosmos: Content. Are We Alone? What Is the Universe and How Was It Formed? Our Solar System. Exploring Space: The First Steps. Exploring Space: The Next Steps. 3B.The Cosmos: Attention Getters, Discovery Activities, and Demonstrations. Attention Getters for Young Learners. Attention Getters for Middle-Level Learners. Discovery Activities for Young Learners. Discovery Activities for Middle-Level Learners. Demonstrations for Young Learners. Demonstrations for Middle-Level Learners. PART II. LIFE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY. 4.Unit, Lesson, and Enrichment Starter Ideas: The Life Sciences and Technology. The Tapper. Assessing Prior Knowledge and Conceptions. Unit Plan Starter Ideas. Lesson Plan Starter Ideas for Common Curriculum Topics. Classroom Enrichment Starter Ideas. Science and Children and Science Scope: Resource Articles for Life Science Units, Lessons, Activities, and Demonstrations. 5A.Living Things: Content. Living or Nonliving? That's the Question. Classifying Living Things. The Plant Kingdom: A Closer Look. The Animal Kingdom: A Closer Look. Two Very Small but Very Interesting Living Things. 5B.Living Things: Attention Getters, Discovery Activities, and Demonstrations. Attention Getters for Young Learners. Attention Getters for Middle-Level Learners. Discovery Activities for Young Learners. Discovery Activities for Middle-Level Learners. Demonstrations for Young Learners. Demonstrations for Middle-Level Learners. 6A.The Human Body: Content. The Body's Systems. The Digestive System. The Skeletal-Muscular System. The Respiratory System. The Nervous System. The Excretory System. The Circulatory System. The Reproductive System. 6B.The Human Body: Attention Getters, Discovery Activities, and Demonstrations. Attention Getters for Young Learners. Attention Getters for Middle-Level Learners. Discovery Activities for Young Learners. Discovery Activities for Middle-Level Learners. Demonstrations for Young Learners. Demonstrations for Middle-Level Learners. PART III. PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY. 7.Unit, Lesson, and Enrichment Starter Ideas: The Physical Sciences and Technology. The Letter. Assessing Prior Knowledge and Conceptions. Unit Plan Starter Ideas. Lesson Plan Starter Ideas for Common Curriculum Topics. Classroom Enrichment Starter Ideas. Science and Children and Science Scope: Resource Articles for Physical Science Units, Lessons, Activities, and Demonstrations. 8A.Matter and Motion: Content. From Atoms to Rockets and Other Technological Wonders. Matter. Motion. 8B.Matter and Motion: Attention Getters, Discovery Activities, and Demonstrations. Attention Getters for Young Learners. Attention Getters for Middle-Level Learners. Discovery Activities for Young Learners. Discovery Activities for Middle-Level Learners. Demonstrations for Young Learners. Demonstrations for Middle-Level Learners. 9A.Energies and Machines: Content. How Energy Is Transferred. Electrical Energy. Sound Energy. Light Energy. Heat Energy. Machines. 9B.Energies and Machines: Attention Getters, Discovery Activities, and Demonstrations. Attention Getters for Young Learners. Attention Getters for Middle-Level Learners. Discovery Activities for Young Learners. Discovery Activities for Middle-Level Learners. Demonstrations for Young Learners. Demonstrations for Middle-Level Learners. For the Teacher's Desk. Your Classroom Enrichment Handbook. Your Science Source Address Book. Appendix: The National Science Education (NSE) Content Standards, Grades K-8. Index.