Category: Science

Case Studies Bring Scientific Ideas to Life

Discovery Engineering in Biology offers 20 thoughtful case studies, each centering around a different scientific phenomenon or discovery followed by additional activities with an engineering challenge closing out the lesson. A real winner for MS science teacher Ilana Cyna.

Tools to Grow Students’ Science Understanding

The Science Teacher’s Toolbox is written in a practical format with easy-to-follow directions for grades 4-12, says middle level science educator Tracy Albers. She suggests you “have your page marker tabs ready when you read through this treasure trove of valuable strategies!”

Hands-On Physical Science in Middle School

Hands-On Physical Science challenges 6th-8th graders to develop ways to solve tasks and answer questions using a hands-on, inquiry-based approach, taking abstract physics and chemistry concepts and make them more concrete and real-world, writes teacher Tracy Albers.

Hands-On Archaeology: Digs for Youngsters

Help middle graders connect past and present using the easy-to-understand lessons in Hands-On Archaeology. Teacher educator Linda Biondi says the authors show us how giving kids opportunities to ‘dig’ in and out of class can build team skills and cross-curricular learning.

Physical Science Probes Every Teacher Needs

These 32 formative assessment probes, designed by leading authority Page Keeley, are carefully chosen, researched, worded and explained to give students a strong understanding of key underlying concepts in physical science, writes science educator Dr. Laura Von Staden.

Evidence-Based Science Activities (Grades 3-5)

Evidenced-Based Science Activities is an easy read and might be useful in changing classroom science instruction. Science leader Kathy Renfrew finds some excellent points in the book, including valuable and meaningful research, but notes there is newer research available.

Teaching Chemistry with More Voice and Choice

Differentiating Instruction with Menus is great for encouraging middle level students’ voice and choice and allows teachers without a strong science background to feel more comfortable with the content (especially chemistry), writes science teacher-coach Emily Lane.

Develop Habits of Mind in Young Scientists

Thinking Like a Scientist provides strategies to encourage students to explore and understand how scientists approach problems, investigations and research. The detailed lessons can be used in grades 5-8, writes educator and former research scientist Laura Von Staden.

Climate Change Studies: “What Have You Heard?”

If you are searching for a comprehensive way to explore the complexities of climate change, address student (and popular) misconceptions and involve students in the search for solutions, you’ll want “Understanding Climate Change,” says science teacher Virginia Brackett.

10 Model Lessons for Inquiry-based Science

As models for inquiry-based education, the book’s science activities offer strategies, tools, and procedures for designing and implementing lessons. Teacher Jeny Randall finds the book has changed the way she teaches science, despite some layout and standards glitches.