This text, based on current research (in the late 1990s), NSES standards and constructivist theory, should be appropriate for both the beginning and advanced science methods courses. It is especially strong in topics pertaining to grades four through eight.
SECTION I. CONSIDERING THE WORLD OF SCIENCE.
1. Perspectives on the
Nature of Science. What is Science. Sciences and Culture. Science and
Philosophy. Conclusion.
2. Scientific Knowledge for the Elementary Years: The
Science Content. The Scope of Elementary Science. The National Education
Standards. Obstacles to Implementing a Depth-Oriented Science Programme.
Conclusion.
3. Science Education: The New Basic in the Classroom. Science in
the U.S. Elementary School Curriculum. Why Science is Important in the
Elementary School. Teaching for Feeling and Valuing. The Implications for the
Aspiring Teacher. Conclusion. SECTION II. PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR
TEACHING ELEMENTARY SCIENCE.4. Children's Cognitive Development and the
Learning of Science. Children's Science and Constructivism. Facilitating
Conceptual Development. Conclusion.
5. Eliciting Children's Conceptions about
Science. The Purpose of Interviews. The Dynamics of Interviews. Conducting
Interviews. Analyzing Interview Responses. Finding Time for Interviewing.
Conclusion. SECTION III. METHODS OF SCIENCE TEACHING FOR THE ELEMENTARY
GRADES.
6. Developing the Skills of the Natural Investigator. Children's
Questions. Inquiry. The Science Process Skills. Conclusion.
7. Investigations
in Science. There is More than One Way to Investigate. Types of
Investigation. Conclusion.
8. Designing Science Lessons. The Three Components
of Science Education. Discovery Learning. Conclusion.
9. Making Real-World
Connections. Relevancy and the Teaching of Science. Approaches for Relevant
Connections. Non-Traditional Educational Opportunities. Conclusion. SECTION
IV. ALIGNING CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND ASSESSMENT.
10. Science,
Technology, and Society: Connections. What is STS? STS in the Classroom.
Conclusion.
11. Developing the Elementary School Science Programme. Goals for
Science Education that Guide Programme Development. Reform Efforts of the
1950s - 1970s: The Alphabet Programmes. Reform Efforts of the 1980s-1990s.
Developing the Programme at Your School. Conclusion.
12. Planning and
Managing Science in the Classroom. Multiple Contexts Require Multiple
Approaches. Alternative Patters for Teaching Science. The Science Culture of
the Classroom. Planning in Support of Inquiry. Conclusion.
13. Assessment of
Student Learning. The Nature of Assessment. (Part contents).
