Inspiring Young Minds: Scientific Inquiry in the Early Years

by Julie Smart PhD

Overview

Learn to use inquiry-based practice to inspire young minds through science. This book provides educators a concrete guide for using research-based principles of inquiry to help children explore their world. Using real-life examples and discussions on facilitating and guiding children, you will be able to engage and maximize STEM learning.

This book uses case studies to focus on the teacher’s interaction with children and includes how to use inquiry-based practice, in addition to why you should use this method. Web content and reproducible lesson plans make it easy to begin using proven inquiry-based instruction. Detailed accounts of conversations with children about science will help you understand different methods and tools. Enrich and inspire young minds with inquiry-based instruction.

Julie Smart holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction and is currently a professor of math and science education at Clemson University. She is also a consultant in research methodology and program accreditation with a focus on inquiry-based instruction, teacher effectiveness, and classroom management. Smart resides in Greenville, SC, with her husband and two children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781605545189
Publisher:	Redleaf Press
Publication date:	04/11/2017
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 8 Years

About the Author

Julie Smart holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction and is currently a professor of math and science education at Clemson University. She is also a consultant in research methodology and program accreditation with a focus on inquiry-based instruction, teacher effectiveness, and classroom management. Smart resides in Greenville, SC, with her husband and two children.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Inquiring Minds Want to Know
What are the main elements of inquiry-based instruction?
Chapter 2: Feed Me
How do we select appropriate materials for children in science?
Chapter 3: Eggs in the Roses
How do we give children opportunities to explore science for themselves?
Chapter 4: Physics in the Breezeway
How can we help children conduct a simple investigation?
Chapter 5: Now You See Me
How can we ask children effective questions in science?
Chapter 6: Timber!
How can we use visual representations and models to support student learning?
Chapter 7: Stayin’ Alive
How do we adjust science instruction based on student learning?
Chapter 8: Making a List, Checking it Twice
How can we support children in representing data in developmentally appropriate ways?
Chapter 9: Baby Bird Birthday
How can we encourage children to communicate their scientific ideas in multiple ways?
Chapter 10: Shake, Rattle, and Roll
How can we make science relevant to the lives of young children?
Chapter 11: Take Cover!
How can we accumulate meaningful resources for our science instruction?
Chapter 12: Playing with Fire
How can we ensure safety for all children during science instruction?
Chapter 13: Swimming in the Deep End
How can we meet the needs of all students in science instruction?
Chapter 14: When the Train Derails
How do we respond to unexpected challenges during science instruction?
Chapter 15: Creepy Crawlies
How can we model positive attitudes about science for children?
Chapter 16: On the Road Again…
How can we maximize the learning potential of field trips in science?
Chapter 17: Flying Monkeys
How do we capture teachable moments?
Appendix A 4Ex2 Instructional Model planning tools
Appendix B Formative Assessments for Science Instruction
Appendix C Sample Inquiry Lesson (Life Science)
Appendix D Sample Inquiry Lesson (Physical Science)
Appendix E Sample Inquiry Lesson (Earth Science)
Appendix F Inquiry-Based Instruction Self-Assessment
Appendix G Sample Science Contracts

Editorial Reviews

Science comes naturally to kids—who doesn’t like picking up leaves or watching a homemade “volcano” explode? Yet it falls to the wayside in many schools. This book has common-sense ideas for getting students to see science in the everyday.”
—Scholastic Teacher

"How do we give young children opportunities to explore science for themselves? How can we ask children effective questions in science? This book answers these questions and more and provides a guide for using research-based principles for inquiry to help children explore their world." —Learning

“A concrete guide for using research-based principles of inquiry to help children ages 3 to 8 in exploring their world. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, Inspiring Young Minds is very highly recommended for academic library Teacher Education collections and supplemental studies reading lists.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Children, particularly in the younger grades, possess an insatiable curiosity regarding the world around them. Inspiring Young Minds builds on their natural intrigue and challenges their thinking by guiding explorations in developmentally appropriate and engaging ways.”
—Jeff Marshall, Department Chair Teaching and Learning, Clemson University

From the Publisher