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

by Abruscato, Joseph

• ISBN13: 9780205402625
• ISBN10: 0205402623
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

Intended for both pre-service and practicing teachers, Teaching Children Science presents contemporary ideas in a motivating, engaging writing style that captivates future classroom teachers and enhances his/her instruction in the science classroom. This truncated paperback volume is composed of lessons, activities, and elementary science content derived from the Sixth Edition of Joseph Abruscato's successful text, Teaching Children Science: A Discovery Approach, Sixth Edition. Continuing the author's emphasis on a ";discovery approach,"; each of the three areas covered (Earth/Space, Life and Physical Sciences) begins with lesson and unit planning. The second part presents science content followed by the last section which contains a plethora of activities and demonstrations that are cross-referenced to the NSE K-8 Science Standards. Allow your students to ";discover"; science through this practical text. New to This Edition: bull; bull;With a renewed focus on the NSE content standards, this text provides clear direction of what teachers need to know to be prepared for the classroom. bull;Discusses the nature, impact, and treatment of bio terror (Ch. 14A). bull;Continued strength in pedagogy guides students' springboard into discovery. Features such as ";A Look Ahead,"; ";Go Further,"; ";Quick Checks,"; and ";Demonstrations"; provide students with tangible suggestions to bring into the classroom. ";This is an excellent resource for future teachers to have during their actual teaching."; Professor Russell Agne, The University of Vermont ";Dr. Abruscato's writing style appeals to those who aspire to teach science as well as to those who have a desire to teach but are among the many who tend to be science shy."; Professor Jim Dawson, Rochester College Author bio: Dr. Joseph Abruscato received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Trenton State College and his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. He presently teaches science curriculum and methods courses at the University of Vermont, Burlington. He was inspired by his own teachers to enter the teaching profession and his personal experience as a teacher has enhanced his professional work as a teacher educator. Dr. Abruscato has presented hundreds of speeches and workshops across the United States and Canada and has published a variety of science books for children and teachers including Teaching Children Science and Whizbangers and Wonderments. Other Texts to Consider:

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.