Hard-to-Teach Science Concepts A Framework to Support Learners, Grades 3–5

by Koba, Susan B

• ISBN13: 9781936137152
• ISBN10: 1936137151
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-05-31
• Publisher: NSTA

Summary

Authors Susan Koba and Carol Mitchell introduce teachers of grades 3– 5 to their conceptual framework for successful instruction of hard-to-teach science concepts. Their methodology comprises four steps: (1) engage students about their preconceptions and address their thinking; (2) target lessons to be learned; (3) determine appropriate strategies; and (4) use Standards-based teaching that builds on student understandings. The authors not only explain how to use their framework but also provide a variety of tools and examples of its application on four hard-to-teach foundational concepts: the flow of energy and matter in ecosystems, force and motion, matter and its transformation, and Earth’ s shape. Both preservice and inservice elementary school teachers will find this approach appealing, and the authors’ engaging writing style and user-friendly tables help educators adapt the method with ease.

Author Biography

Susan Koba, a science education consultant, works primarily with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) on its professional development website, The NSTA Learning Center. She retired from the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) after 30 years, having taught on the middle and high school levels for more than 20 years and then having served as a curriculum specialist and district mentor. Koba ended her service to OPS as project director and professional development coordinator for the OPS Urban Systemic Program serving 60 schools. Koba has been named an Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding Biology Teacher for Nebraska, Tandy Technology Scholar, and Access Excellence Fellow. She is also a recipient of a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship and a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She received her BS degree in biology from Doane College, an MA in biology from the University of Nebraska– Omaha, and a PhD in science education from the University of Nebraska– Lincoln. Koba has published and presented on many topics, including school and teacher change, effective science instruction, equity in science, inquiry, and action research. She has developed curriculum at the local, state, and national levels and served as curriculum specialist for a U.S. Department of Energy Technology Innovation Challenge Grant. A past director of coordination and supervision on the NSTA Board and a past president of her state NSTA chapter, she currently serves NSTA on the Budget and Finance Committee. Other past NSTA work includes serving as the chairperson of the Professional Development Task Force, scope author for the NGSS SciPack currently in development, and the conference chairperson for the 2006 Area Conference in Omaha. She is also a past president of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and served as NSELA’ s Interim Executive Director.