Teaching Science as Inquiry

Teaching Science as Inquiry introduces prospective and experienced teachers to the science content, teaching strategies, and inquiry activities necessary to teach science in contemporary ways.  In addition, the inclusion of the National Science Education standards will provide all readers a useful framework for making instructional decisions.    Traditional learning focuses on learning about things.  The teacher dispenses the information and the student receives it.  The inquiry approach emphasizes how we learn things rather than just what we know.  Instead of just memorizing facts, students are actively involved in learning.  Learning becomes fun when students are fascinated by something and it reflects their interests, goals, and experiences.   Using a two-part structure–Methods for Teaching Science as Inquiry and Activities for Teaching Science as Inquiry–this book will empower teachers to successfully bring inquiry into the science classroom.  The Methods portion scaffolds concepts and illustrates instructional models.  The Activities portion follows the 5-E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate,) a Learning Cycle model that reflects the NSES Science as Inquiry Standards.