Teaching Science in Elementary and Middle School : A Cognitive and Cultural Approach

by Cory A. Buxton

• ISBN13: 9781412979917
• ISBN10: 1412979919
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-07-08
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

Teaching Scienceáin Elementary and Middle School: A Cognitive and Cultural Approach 2e is an introductory science curriculum and methods textbook for elementary and middle schools teachers. The primary purpose of the book is to provide an introduction to the teaching of science with an emphasis on guiding the teacher toward: conceptual understanding of core standards-based science content from the four major scientific disciplinesapplication of scientific methods and processes of inquiry to the learning of these science conceptsdevelopment of scientific language that is both expressive and constitutive in the formation of scientific reasoningthe ability to guide learners through numerous core scientific experiments that help to illuminate items 1-3evaluation of social and cultural factors that shape and influence both science and science educationanalysis of the local context in which science must be understood (as well as the global context)synthesis of science as interrelated with other aspects of the world and how this idea can be taught to students through integrated and thematic instruction. The approach throughout is clear and practical, and is designed to foster reflective teaching rooted in research and theory. Teaching Science ináElementary and Middle School: A Cognitive and Cultural Approach 2e is a synthesis of current knowledge in science education, cognition and culture. The authors rely upon both classical and contemporary theories of learning as cognitive and as sociocultural processes. By connecting and integrating core standards-based science concepts, pedagogical practices grounded in evolving research from the learning sciences, and a socio-historical analysis of the development, strengths and limitations of science in society, the authors have written a text that fosters the development of teachers who feel prepared to engage their students in rich science learning experiences.

Table of Contents

Preface

Creating the Context for Science Education

The Nature of Science

What Is Science?

Nature of Science Cards

What Science Is Not

How Science Is Done

Hidden Shapes

Patterns That Connect

Qualities of Scientific Inquiry

Combining the Qualities of Scientific Inquiry to Address Scientific Questions

The Hypothesis Box

Paradigms and Paradigm Shifts in the Nature of Science

Summary

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Learning Science On-Line: Researching Scientist Biographies

Internet Connections: Nature of Science Resources

References

Science Education in Social Context

The Historical Role of Science Education in Our Society

What Would Life Be Like Without Certain Inventions?

Science Education Within Broader Educational Reforms

Education Reform and You

The Contemporary Role of Science Education in Our Society and the Current Wave of Science Education Reform

D efinitions of Scientific Literacy

Broader Education Reforms and Science Education

Learning to Speak the Language of Science

Metaphors in Science

Ethics in Science and the Concept of Human Progress

Ethics and the Humane Treatment of Experimental Animals

Summary

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Learning Science On-Line: Creating a Virtual Smithsonian Science Museum

Internet Connections: Science Museums on the Internet

References

Toward a Philosophy of Hands-On Inquiry-Based Science Education

Piagetian Constructivism and Learning Through Rediscovery

Learning Through Play

Helping Students Make Meaning of Experience

Designing Experiments and Learning Through Project-Based Science

Learning by Design

Sociocultural Theory and Learning Through Legitimate Peripheral Participation

Learning Theories Textbook Review

On-Line Resources and the Changing Science Classroom

Summary

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Learning Science On-Line: Studying Natural Disasters

Internet Connections: Design-Based Learning

References

Diverse Learners in the Science Classroom

History of Diverse Learners in the Science Classroom

Draw a Scientist

Current Science Education Reforms and Their Impact on Diverse Learners

Mapping the Increasing Diversity in American Classrooms

Strategies for Working With Diverse Learners in the Science Classroom

Two-Column Girls and Scientists Activity

Modifying Lab Activities

Sheltered Second- Language Activity

Debating the "Fairness" of Gifted Education

Summary

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Learning Science On-Line: Auditory and Visual Learning in Science Education

Internet Connections: Science for Diverse Learners

References

Observing as a Scientist and as a Science Teacher

Scientific Observation

Observation Experiment: Watching a Traffic Pattern

Observation in the Classroom

From Observation to Assessment of Science Learning

From Observation to Managing the Classroom to Enhance Science Learning

Creating a Safe Science Learning Environment

Field Experiences, Peer Teaching, and Other Opportunities to Practice the Craft of Science Teaching

Observational Forms

Science Lesson Observation Form

Observing in a Science Museum or Other Non-School Setting

Interviewing a Teacher After Observing a Science Lesson

Beyond Observation: Other Science Inquiry Processes

Creating a Science Educator's Portfolio

Looking at Electronic Portfolios

Summary

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Learning Science On-Line: Combining Content with Field Experiences

Internet Connections: Scientific Observation

Teaching and Learning the Science Disciplines

Understanding and Teaching Earth and Space Sciences

Earth Scientists Then and Now: Mary Anning and Charles Keeling

The Place of Earth and Space Science in Science Education

Measuring and Estimating in Earth and Space Science

Estimating the Number of Books in Your School Library

Orienteering

Geologic Time on a Football Field

The Cosmos: The Sun, Planets, Solar System, Stars, and Beyond

Solar System Model

Expanding Universe Model

Hot Enough to Fry an Egg

Astronomy: Observing the Heavens From Earth in the Past and Present

Modeling Phases of the Moon

The Changing Seasons

Changing Lengths of Shadows

Restless Earth: Earth's Composition, Layers, Movements, and Impacts in Surface Features

Convection Currents

Mountain Building With Towels

Earthquake-Resistant Structures

Rocks and Minerals: Formation, Identification, and Human Use of Common Rocks and Minerals

Crystals in Your Kitchen

Identifying Minerals

Determining Soil Type

Earth Cycles: Many Processes on Earth Operate in Cycles

Building an Aquifer Model

Edible Rock Cycle

Cloud in a Bottle

Weather and Climate: Weather Patterns, Climate Zones, and Climatic Change Over Time

Tracking Rainfall

Making an Anemometer

Rainforest Terrarium

Atmosphere: Atmospheric Movement, Layers, Pressure and Cloud Formation, Smog and Pollution

Why Are Clouds White?

Why Is the Sky Blue?

Smog in a Jar

Water and Oceans: Fresh Water/Salt Water Distribution, Interactions, and Contamination

How Salty Is Too Salty?

Mapping the Ocean Floor

Oil Spill Clean-Up

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Internet Connections: Earth and Space Science

Understanding and Teaching Biology

Biologists Then and Now: Ernst Haeckel and Steven Jay Gould

The Place of Biology in Science Education

Measurement in Biology

Measuring Peak Flow Rate

Estimating Lengths of Very Small Objects

Measuring Population Change

Classification

Observation in the Bag

Developing a System of Classification

Classifying Different Animals

Plants

Seed Germination

Making a Plant Cell Model

The Effect of Acid Rain on Plant Growth

Animals

Owl Pellet Dissection

Making an Animal Cell Model

Conducting a Bird Census

Neither Plant nor Animal: Protista, Monera, Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi

Exploring Pond Water

The Power of Yeast

Making Yogurt

Ladder of Life: The Building Blocks of Organisms

Cell Packing

Photosynthesis and Transpiration

Minimal Surfaces in Natural and Biological Forms

Code of Life: All Life Is Based on the Same Genetic Code

Making a Model of the DNA Double Helix

Black Marker "Fingerprints"

Hearing Loss Simulation

Evolution: Natural Selection and Evidence for Species Evolution

Bird Beak Models

Experimenting With Stereoscopic Vision

Design-an-Organism

Biomes and Ecosystems: Interactions Between Plants, Animals, and the Non-Living World

Tracing Food Webs

Greenhouse Effect Model

Unintended Consequences

The Human Body and Human Health

You Are What You Eat

Modeling the Human Arm

Spreading Infectious Disease

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Internet Connections: Biology

References

Understanding and Teaching Chemistry

Chemists Then and Now: Marie Curie and Frank Sherwood Rowland

The Place of Chemistry in Science Education

Measurement in Chemistry

Estimating Volume

Making a Thermometer

Serial Dilution of Colored Liquid

Atoms, Elements, and Molecules

Marshmallow Molecule Models

Evaporating Molecules

Elements You Eat

Matter

Hot Air Rises

Densities of Liquids

Making Salt Crystals

Floating a Needle on Water

Separating Mixtures

Comparing Soaps

Temperature

Evaporation of Alcohol and Water

Hot and Cold Water Mixtures

Making Ice Cream

Pressure

Burning Candles

Creating a Simple Vacuum

Cartesian Diver

Fuels

Building a Voltaic Pile

Making a Solar Water Heater

Peanut Power

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Internet Connections: Chemistry

References

Understanding and Teaching Physics

Physicists Then and Now: Michael Faraday and Stephen W. Hawking

The Place of Physics in Science Education

Measurement in Physics

Using Standard and Nonstandard Units of Length

Determining Relative and Absolute Weights Using a Pan Balance

Using a Stopwatch to Measure Time

Force: Gravity, Velocity, Acceleration, Newton's Laws

Flipping a Card off Your Finger While Leaving a Quarter in Place

Swinging a Bucket of Water in a Circle Without Getting Wet

Demonstrating "Lift" with a Ping-Pong Ball and Straw

Forms of Energy

Bouncing Superballs

Modeling Nuclear Half-Life

Creating an Electroscope to Detect Static Electricity

Simple Machines

Experimenting With Pulleys

Experimenting With Ramps

Experimenting With Levers

Sound

Demonstrating the Conduction of Sound

Experimenting With Harmonic Sound

Experimenting With Resonance

Light and Color

Making a Thaumatrope

Color Blending

Bending Light

Electricity and Magnetism

Observing Magnetic Fields

Making a Simple Circuit

Making an Electromagnet

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Design Your Own Experiment

Internet Connections: Physics

References

Making the Transition From Preservice Teacher to Inservice Teacher

Teacher Professional Development: Growing as a Teacher of Science

History of Teacher Professional Development

The Current State of Teacher Professional Development

Recertification Requirements Across States

Action Research: From Research "On" to Research "With"

Lesson Study

The TIMMS Video Project

Parental Involvement and Parental Engagement

Parent Interview

Professional Organizations: NSTA

Advanced Study

Interviewing an NBCT in Your School District

Applying for Grants

If I Had $500

Summary

Student Study Site

Reflections on Science

Learning Science On-Line: On-Line Resources for Science Teaching

References

Appendix: The National Science Education Standards for Science Content

Glossary

Index

About the Authors

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