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This book shows K-12 STEM teachers how to maximize their effectiveness with students by shifting to an inquiry-based instructional approach and creating a rigorous, engaging learning environment.
"We decide, every day, whether we are going to turn students on or off to science and mathematics in our classrooms." Daily decisions about how to incorporate creativity, choice, and autonomy—integral components of engagement—can build students' self-efficacy, keep them motivated, and strengthen their identities as scientists and mathematicians. In this book, Eric Brunsell and Michelle A. Fleming show you how to apply the joyful learning framework introduced in Engaging Minds in the Classroom to instruction in science and mathematics. Acknowledging that many students—particularly girls and students of color—do not see themselves as mathematicians and scientists, the authors provide a series of suggested activities that are aligned with standards and high expectations to engage and motivate all learners. Given the current focus on encouraging students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies, this book is a welcome addition to every teacher's reference collection. Eric Brunsell is a former high school science teacher and is now associate professor of science education at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Michelle A. Fleming is a former elementary and middle school teacher and is now assistant professor of science and mathematics education at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
A framework of 7 research-based, classroom-tested rubrics and examples that support teachers as they intentionally work to evaluate, assess, and improve teaching and learning.
Do you sense that some students have mentally "checked out" of your classroom? Look closely and you'll probably find that these students are bored by lessons that they view as unchallenging and uninteresting. In this follow-up to The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success, Jeff Marshall provides teachers with a blueprint for introducing more rigor to the classroom by - Reorienting themselves and their students toward active learning—and establishing the habits that allow it to flourish; - Creating a classroom culture where students aren't afraid to take risks—and where they grow as learners because of it; - Planning the same lesson at different levels of challenge for different levels of development—and designing assessments that gauge student progress fairly without sacrificing expectations; and - Implementing inquiry-based activities that push students beyond their comfort zones—and that result in well-rounded learners with stronger character and sharper thinking skills. Leveraging the latest research in the field as well as years of hard-won classroom experience, this book offers practical strategies, replicable examples, and thoughtful reflection exercises for educators to use as they work to help students embrace the mystery, complexity, and power of challenge.
Inquiry into Math, Science and Technology for Teaching Young Children uses current theory as foundation for the rich and varied math and science curriculum in preschool and kindergarten. The curriculum in this text easily embraces developmentally appropriate practice, emergent curriculum, Reggio Emilia and the Project Approach. Students can connect the rich math and science curriculum with the national standards in math and science plus the NAEYC Early Childhood Professional Preparation Standards. By using the ways we know children learn best, students are guided to develop their own curriculum for children while incorporating the national standards. The text guides early childhood students to inquire how children learn by capturing the innate curiosity and emerging thinking skills of young children. The writing of this text invites students to explore math and science inquiry themselves, to engage in the curiosity and innovative thinking of young children, and become immersed in their new concept of teaching through experiencing children's learning.
Most important to being a good science teacher is holding the expectation that all students can be scientists and think critically. Providing a thinking curriculum is especially important for those children in diverse classrooms who have been underserved by our educational system. OCo Becoming Scientists. Good science starts with a question, perhaps from the teacher at the start of a science unit or from the children as they wonder what makes a toy car move, how food decomposes, or why leaves change color. Using inquiry science, children discover answers to their questions in the same way that scientists doOCothey design experiments, make predictions, observe and describe, offer and test explanations, and share their conjectures with others. In essence, they construct their own understanding of how the world works through experimentation, reflection, and discussion. Look into real classrooms where teachers practice inquiry science and engage students in the science and engineering practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards. Rusty Bresser and Sharon Fargason show teachers how to do the following: Build on students' varied experiences, background knowledge, and readiness; Respond to the needs of students with varying levels of English language proficiency; Manage a diverse classroom during inquiry science exploration; Facilitate science discussions; Deepen their own science content knowledge. As the authors state, Inquiry science has little to do with textbooks and lectures and everything to do with our inherent need as a species to learn about and reflect on the world around us. Join your students on a journey of discovery as you explore your world via inquiry."
This accessible and practical sourcebook is for parents who want to understand and contribute to their children's success in math and science and to their overall education. 25 illustrations.
