Teaching Science Through Inquiry-Based Instruction (13^th Ed.)

Note: This is the bound book only and does not include access to the Enhanced Pearson eText. To order the Enhanced Pearson eText packaged with a bound book, use ISBN 0134515471.

For an undergraduate level course in science education

Teaching Science Through Inquiry-Based Instruction provides theory and practical advice for elementary and middle school teachers to help their students learn science. Written at a time of substantive change in science education, this book deals both with what?s currently happening and what?s expected in science classes in elementary and middle schools. Readers explore the nature of science, its importance in today?s world, trends in science education, and national science standards. 

The Thirteenth Edition is expanded to include information about the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Performance Expectations for all elementary grade-level activities as well as the National Science Education Standards (NSES). Additionally, the book strives to present manageable ways to successfully bring inquiry into the science classroom by relating A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas and the 5E Instructional Model. Each chapter ends with suggested discussion questions and professional practice activities to encourage reflection and extend learning. New NGSS-aligned classroom activities provide examples of instruction that interweave the three dimensions of science. The Enhanced Pearson eText provides a rich, interactive learning environment designed to improve student mastery of content with embedded videos, assessment quizzes, and an activity library. 

The Enhanced Pearson eText* is:

• Engaging. The new interactive, multimedia learning features were developed by the authors and other subject-matter experts to deepen and enrich the learning experience.

• Convenient. Enjoy instant online access from your computer or download the Pearson eText App to read on or offline on your iPad® and Android® tablet.**

• Affordable. Experience the advantages of the Enhanced Pearson eText along with all the benefits of print for 40% to 50% less than a print bound book.

*The Enhanced eText features are only available in the Pearson eText format. They are not available in third-party eTexts or downloads.

**The Pearson eText App is available on Google Play and in the App Store. It requires Android OS 3.1-4, a 7? or 10? tablet, or iPad iOS 5.0 or later.

1. Science and Science Education

2. Getting Ready for Inquiry Instruction

3. Creating a Positive Classroom Environment

4. Learning Science with Understanding

5. Engaging in Inquiry-Based Instruction and Using the 5-E Model

6. Effective Questioning

7. Assessing Science Learning

8. Using Technology Tools and Resources for Science Learning

9. Connecting Science with Other Subjects

10. Making Science Accessible for All Learners

Appendix A: Science Process Skills

Activities Intro

Activities Section 1: Physical Science Activities

Activities Section 2: Life Science Activities

Activities Section 3: Earth and Space Science Activities

Activities Section 4: Engineering Design Activities

Terry L. Contant is the Science Curriculum and Instruction Specialist at LEARN, the Regional Educational Service Center for southeastern Connecticut. She holds a BA in Natural Sciences from Case Western Reserve University and a MA and Ed.D. in Science Education from the University of Houston. Her work at LEARN includes, science-focused professional development and curriculum development for schools and districts in collaboration with the CT Department of Education in their efforts to implement the Next Generation Science Standards.  Recently, to help schools “STEM-ify” their programs, she led the development of an online course designed to help educators understand the importance of STEM, the shifts brought by NGSS, and tools and strategies for setting up and operating a STEM program for K-8 learners. Over the years, she has taught science in grades K through 9, been a museum and planetarium educator, worked as a district-level science coordinator, written and served as principal investigator for both state- and federally-funded science education grants, taught elementary science methods to preservice teachers, and supervised student teachers. Throughout her career in science education, Contant has been an active member and leader in many organizations that support science educators including the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA member for 38 years) and Connecticut Science Teachers Association (President 2012-2014). She has been a co-author for the four most recent editions of this long-running science methods text: Teaching Science as Inquiry 10^th Edition, Pearson, 2004; Teaching Science as Inquiry 11^th Edition, Pearson, 2009; Teaching Science Through Inquiry and Investigation, Pearson, 2015, and Teaching Science Through Inquiry-Based Instruction 13^th Edition, Pearson, 2018.

Anne L. Tweed, i

Teaching Science Through Inquiry-Based Instruction, 13/e:

• Encourages readers to actively engage with the concepts and ideas of science education through the 5E Instructional Model. Ten chapters introduce the reader to key aspects of science teaching and learning at the K-8 Grade levels. Each chapter is organized to engage readers with the material and to provide context, guide learners through the topics presented using Exploration Activities, explain related theory and research-based instructional strategies, elaborate on the content presented in the context of real-world learning environments, and evaluate understanding, encourage reflection, and extend learning.
  
  

• Addresses current science education reforms by including Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Performance Expectations for all elementary grade-level activities as well as the National Science Education Standards (NSES). Additionally, the shift toward the three-dimensional nature of instruction, curriculum, and assessment is discussed.
   

• Stimulates deep reflection and application of learning that students can use in the field.

  • NEW: More than 75 classroom activities provide examples of instruction that interweave the three dimensions of science–Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Activities are aligned with specific elementary grade levels and NGSS Performance Expectations.

  • End-of-chapter discussion questions encourage readers to think critically about how theory relates to field practice.

  • Professional Practice Activities provide ideas for lessons to try out in a classroom setting.