Where is U.S. secondary-level science education heading today? That's the question that The Essentials of Science, Grades 7-12 sets out to answer. Over the last century, U.S. science classes have consistently relied on lectures, textbooks, rote memorization, and lab demonstrations. But with the onset of NCLB-mandated science testing and increased concern over the United States' diminishing global stature in science and technology, public pressure is mounting to educate students for a deeper conceptual understanding of science. Through lively examples of classroom practice, interviews with award-winning science teachers and science education experts, and a wide-ranging look at research, readers will learn * How to make use of research within the cognitive sciences to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding. * How to use backward design to bring greater coherence to the curriculum. * Innovative, engaging ideas for implementing scientific inquiry in the classroom. * Holistic strategies to address the complex problems of the achievement gap, equity, and resources in the science classroom. * Strategies for dealing with both day-to-day and NCLB assessments. * How professional learning communities and mentoring can help teachers reexamine and improve their practice. Today's secondary science teachers are faced with an often-overwhelming array of challenges. The Essentials of Science, Grades 7-12 can help educators negotiate these challenges while making their careers more productive and rewarding.