Teaching Science in Elementary and Middle School: A Project-Based Learning Approach

Abstract

Teaching Science in Elementary and Middle School integrates principles of learning and motivation with practical teaching ideas for implementing them. Paralleling what scientists do, project-based learning (PBL) represents the essence of inquiry and the nature of science, and engages children and teachers in investigating meaningful, real-world questions about the world around them. This text provides concrete strategies on teaching using a project-based approach and on meeting the principles in A Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Features include strategies for planning long-term, interdisciplinary, student-centered units; scenarios to help readers situate new experiences; and a wealth of supplementary material on the Companion Website. Features in the Fifth Edition: Integrates research-based findings from the National Research Council’s Taking Science to School, A Framework for K–12 Science Education, and NGSS to engage learners and help them make sense of phenomena in using disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts Gives attention to cultural diversity throughout the chapters, with an added focus on working with English Language Learners Describes how to develop and use assessments that require students to make use of their knowledge to solve problems or explain phenomena Illustrates how to use PBL to make connections to Common Core Standards for Mathematics and English Languag…