Pamela Fraser-Abder

Teaching Emerging Scientists: Fostering Scientific Inquiry with Diverse Learners in Grades K-2 Pamela Fraser-Abder

Jacket Description/Back: Pamela Fraser-AbderTeaching Emerging ScientistsFostering Scientific Inquiry with Diverse Learners in Grades K-2 ""Teaching Emerging Scientists""is a call to action to teachers to guide their students on a journey to scientific literacy, while fostering their interest and participation in science. Written for educators working with kindergarten through second grade, this practical, yet research-based book assists teachers in developing, implementing, and reflecting on inquiry-based science teaching and improving ALL young children's science learning. As teachers complete the reflections in this book, they will explore how to nurture young children's natural curiosity in science; their own deep-seated, often unconscious feelings toward science teaching and learning; and strategies, resources, and ideas for making the most of the students' surrounding community to support engagement in science. To learn more about other books in the "Teaching Scientists "series see inside front cover. ""Excellent examples - very, very useful for in-service teachers." "Pascale Creek Pinner, Science Department Chairperson, Hilo Intermediate School, Hilo, Hawaii ""If teachers really want to improve their science teaching, this book will do the trick!""Jamie Barnett, Science Coordinator, Cherokee County Schools, Murphy, North Carolina Pamela Fraser-Abder teaches science to aspiring and current K-12 teachers in New York City, where she also consults on K-16 science curriculum and professional development. She currently edits an annual volume on Pedagogical Issues in Science Mathematics and Technology Education and in 2008 received the Steinhardt Teaching Excellence award for her work at New York University. Biographical Note: Pamela Fraser-Abder teaches science to aspiring and current K-12 teachers in New York City, where she also consults on K-16 science curriculum and professional development. She currently edits an annual volume on Pedagogical Issues in Science Mathematics and Technology Education and in 2008 received the Steinhardt Teaching Excellence award for her work at New York University. Review Quotes: "A step by step guide that will improve science ... If teachers really want to improve their science teaching, this book will do the trick!""The author has a very good grasp of an elementary classroom and writes well for a teacher audience. "Jamie Barnett, Science Coordinator, Cherokee County Schools, Murphy, North Carolina "This would be a valuable text for a mentor to share with a newly licensed teacher. "" ""Provides teachers with a good understanding of how young students learn science."" ""With the emphasis on teaching science and the required hands-on lessons, I would recommend this text as a book study for a school. "Nancy B. Smoot, Kindergarten Teacher, Clemmons Elementary School, Clemmons, North Carolina "Excellent examples - very, very useful for in-service teachers." Pascale Creek Pinner, Science Department Chairperson, Hilo Intermediate School, Hilo, HawaiiTable of Contents: Table of ContentsPrefaceChapter 1: Factors Which Influence Your Science Teaching Philosophy Why Teach Science To Young Children?Your Personal ContextWho Are You And How Do You Feel About Science?What Is Your Teaching And Learning Style?What Are Your Views On Science And Scientists?What Were Your Early Experiences With Science?Science Education Then And NowHow has science education changed since the 1950s?Chapter 2: How Young Children Learn and Think about ScienceCan You Recall Your First Experience With Science?What Are Your Children's Views Of Science And Scientists?What Does Research Say About How Young Children View Science And Scientists? What is Science?What Are K-2 Children's Ideas About Science?How Do Young Children Learn Science?Children's Understandings Of Physical PropertiesChildren's Understandings Of AnimalsChildren's Understandings Of PlantsChildren's Understandings Of Earth ScienceWhat Are Some Common Misconceptions In Your Science Classroom? Chapter 3: Your Children And Science LearningWho Are Your Children?What Are Your Class' Demographics?How Can You Develop A Cultural Understanding Of Your Children? How Can You Use Your Children's Lived Experiences To Inform Your Teaching? What Are Your Expectations For Your Children?How Can You Help Your K-2 Children Succeed In Science?Chapter 4: The Inquiry Approach to Teaching and Learning ScienceWhat Is Scientific Inquiry?How Can You Develop Inquiry Skills?What Are Some Inquiry-Based Teaching Strategies?Guided DiscoveryProblem-Based LearningHow Can You Use Process Skills In Inquiry Teaching?How Do You Use Process Skills In Your Daily Life?Chapter 5: Exploring Process SkillsHow can you develop Observation skills?How can you develop measuring skills?How can you develop communication skills?How can you develop classification skills?Classy ClassificationHow can you develop inference-making skills?How Well Do You Know The Process Skills?Chapter 6: Establishing Your Science ProgramWhat Are The BIG IDEAS In Science?What Concepts Should You Include In Your Curriculum?How Do You Build An Effective Science Learning Environment?How Can You Set Up Your Classroom For Science?Chapter 7: Resources You Can Use in Your Science TeachingWhat resources are available for teaching K-2 science?YouScientistsNon Formal InstitutionsZoosMuseumsAquariumsFarmsParentsJournals and BooksInternetEducation ProgramChapter 8: Developing Your Plan For TeachingWhere Am I In My Development As A Science Teacher?Where Am I Going In My Science Teaching Practice?State StandardsCity/District StandardsSchool StandardsClassroom StandardsHow Do I Plan To Be An Effective Science Teacher?Beginning The PlanRationale For Teaching A TopicWhat are my goals for teaching this lesson?Terms that will help you define Your Science Teaching GoalsDeciding On My Mode Of Science InstructionOrganizing My ClassCurriculum DevelopmentIdeas From Other Science TeachersDeveloping My Own PlanHow Will I Know When I Have Arrived At My Best Level Of Practice? Appendix 1: The National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks What are the standards for K-4 science content?What are the goals for school science?What are the Standards For K-4 Science Content?What are the Benchmarks for Scientific Literacy?Appendix 2: Science Content Information For K-2Properties of ObjectsPlantsAnimalsWeather and WaterProperties of MatterWeather and SeasonsAnimal DiversityForces and MotionSoilPlant DiversityLife SciencesReferencesMarc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.