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

by Joseph S. Krajcik, Charlene M. Czerniak

Overview

This essential science methods resource integrates principles of learning and motivation with practical teaching ideas for the elementary and middle school science classroom. It employs project-based learning (PBL) to enable educators to engage their students in meaningful, real-world questioning about the world. It provides concrete strategies for meeting the Framework for K–12 Science Education. Chapters offer examples of project-based lessons to help teachers support children in varying modes of inquiry, such as asking critical questions, designing investigations, constructing models, and developing evidence-based explanations.

Features in the 6th Edition include:

• Instruction on using PBL to make connections to Common Core Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts
• An increased attention to assessment for learning
• A focus on 3-dimensional learning.

This book is ideal for pre-service and in-service elementary and middle school science and STEM teachers and is designed for use in related methods courses or professional learning opportunities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781351792745
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/12/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	376
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Joseph S. Krajcik is the Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education, Distinguished University Professor, and Director of the Institute for Collaborative Research in Education, Assessment and Teaching Environments for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CREATE for STEM) at Michigan State University, USA.

Charlene M. Czerniak is a Distinguished University Professor of Science Education at the University of Toledo, USA.

Table of Contents

1. Teaching Science to Children  2. How Children Construct Understanding of Science  3. Establishing and Maintaining Relevance to Students’ Lives  4. Engaging Learners in the Doing of Science  5. Making Sense of Data and Sharing Findings  6. Collaboration in the Project-Based Learning Classroom  7. Instructional Strategies That Support Project-Based Learning  8. Assessing Student Understanding  9. Managing the Science Classroom  10. Planning a Project-Based Curriculum

Editorial Reviews

NSTA Recommends® National Science Teachers Association

"If teachers could find the time to read and reflect on this book, it could potentially transform their science classes. And for elementary teachers who teach most or all the academic subjects, many of this book’s ideas would also be effective in those other subjects."

— Richard Lord, High School Biology Teacher, NSTA

From the Publisher