This core text for the K-8 methods course in science is a practical guide to teaching science in inquiry-centered and standards-based classrooms. Its inclusive coverage of the major domains of science includes examples from the studies of life, physics, earth, space, and environment. This edition integrates technology thoroughly with science content, instructional methods, and cues to monitoring student development.

Table of Contents:
Note: Each chapter contains a Summary and Key Terms. I. Background Knowledge for Science Teaching 1. Science and Technology in the Classroom What Is Science? What Is Technology, and Why Use It? What Influences Science Teaching Today? 2. Instructional Technology Basics What Are the Standards That Guide Instructional Technology Education? Basics of the Internet More Computer Basics The State of Technology Resources in Schools How Do Teachers Use Instructional Technology in Science Teaching? 3. How Children Learn Children Construct Knowledge The Cognitive Growth of the Child Prior Knowledge, Misconceptions, and Conceptual Change Developmentally Appropriate Technology Internet Safety and Appropriate Behavior 4. Engaging in Inquiry and Discovery Inquiry-Based Instruction Bringing Inquiry-Based Instruction to Your Classroom Techniques for Inquiry-Based Instruction Your Development as an Elementary Science Teacher 5. Using Science Processes to Guide Inquiry A Pumpkin Investigation The Process Skills Using the Process Skills in Your Classroom Constructing Knowledge II. Instruction and Assessment in a Standards-Based Science Classroom 6. Planning Lessons and Designing Assessments What Does a Good Science Lesson Plan Contain? Assessing and Evaluating Student Learning Linking Instruction, Assessment, and Child Development Understanding and Using Performance Assessment 7. Science in the Diverse Classroom Diversity in Classrooms Constructing Inquiry-Based Lessons for the Diverse Science Classroom Addressing the Needs of Students with Learning Disabilities Addressing the Needs of Gifted Students 8. Encouraging Collaboration and Cooperation What Is Collaborative Inquiry? Collaborative Projects for Preschool and Primary Grades Collaborative Projects for Upper-Elementary Grades Collaborative Projects for Middle School Developing Your Own Collaborative Project Cooperative Learning in the Science Classroom Characteristics of Cooperative-Learning Activities Classroom Management for Cooperative Learning Cooperative Strategies 9. Making Real-World Connections: Real-Time Data and Critters in the Classroom What Are Real-Time Data? Using Real-Time Data in the Classroom Studying Animals in Real Time Managing Critters in the Classroom Plants in the Classroom Using Real-World Connections in Extended Inquiry 10. Strategies for Project-Based Learning Project-Based Learning Planning a Project Using Sensors and Probes for Data Collection Analyzing Results: Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization More Ideas for Designing Projects 11. Strategies for Design-Based Learning The Nature of Technology and Technological Problem Solving The Design Loop Implementing the Design Loop Learning About Simple Machines Designing Weather Instruments Using Simple Machines 12. Science Across the Curriculum Strategies for Integrating Science Across the Curriculum Creating Interdisciplinary Thematic Units Preparing to Use an Integrated Approach to Science Teaching Teacher's Handy Reference Glossary References Index