Cover image for Secrets to success for science teachers
Title:
Secrets to success for science teachers
Personal Author:
Publication Information:
Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Corwin Press, c2009
Physical Description:
xii, 283 p. ; 23 cm.
ISBN:
9781412966252

9781412966269

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30000010236885 LB1585 K68 2009 Open Access Book Book
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30000010236475 LB1585 K68 2009 Open Access Book Book
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Summary

Summary

"This book isn't just for new teachers! Even after years as a science teacher, this book gave me suggestions to use right away in my classroom."-Regina Brinker, Science TeacherChristensen Middle School, Livermore, CACreate a science classroom that fosters a creative learning community and leads to success! From successfully setting up a classroom to achieving meaningful instruction, science teachers face a variety of challenges unique to their practice every day. This easy-to-read guide provides new and seasoned teachers with practical ideas, strategies, and insights to help address essential topics in effective science teaching, including emphasizing inquiry, building literacy, implementing technology, using a wide variety of science resources, and maintaining student safety. Aligned with current science standards, this guide helps teachers streamline their efforts, organize their work, and set the stage for outstanding instruction and enthusiastic student participation. Other features include:Practical examples, snapshots of moments in the history of science, and Web referencesA compilation of professional development activities Checklists to rate curricula and textbooksGuidance on networking with colleagues and establishing relationships with familiesBy leveraging this book's rich resources, science teachers will discover how to turn their classrooms into thriving environments for learning.


Table of Contents

History of Science Topics
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction
1 Design Your Classroom to Create Communities of Learners
Explore Your School and Classroom
Meet Your Department and Team
Investigate Your School's and Community's History and Customs
Access Textbooks and Equipment
Plan for Exploration and Experimentation
Collect Materials and Resources
Investigate Laboratory Space and Equipment
Safely Use and Store Supplies and Equipment
Establish Your Policies and Procedures
Create a Shared Learning Environment
Ensure Equity and Fairness
Use Appropriate and Neutral Language
Involve Parents and Families
Begin Each Day Anew
Establish a Sense of Place...
2 Understand Standards to Develop Your Curriculum
Consider the History of Science Education
Understand the Nature of Science
Accomplish Project 2061 Benchmarks for Scientific Literacy
Address National Science Education Standards for Students
Meet National Science Education Teaching Standards for Teachers
Draw From the Academic Disciplines
Teach Skills in Experimentation and Investigation
Reference Your State Standards
Incorporate Your District's Expectations
Feature Your School's Organization and Mission
Link References to Develop Curriculum
Plan Your Year With a Curriculum Blueprint
Connect Science With Your Students...
3 Emphasize Inquiry Science to Deepen Understanding
Use the Inquiry Continuum
Involve Students in Doing Science
Engage in Hypothesis Testing
Promote the Use of the Scientific Method
Integrate Scientific Process Skills Into All Activities
Weave Inquiry-Based Laboratory Investigations Into Every Lesson
Head for the Outdoors
Support Scientific Investigations With Resources
Use Demonstrations to Promote Learning
Teach Through Discrepant Events
Teach Safety to Students
Equip Your Students to Understand Their World...
4 Know Your Students to Support Science Achievement
Begin From the Perspective of the Learners
See Students as Individuals
Understand Changes in Today's Students
Consider the Contexts of Students' Families and Peers
Showcase Powerful Teaching and Learning
Feature Actions and Verbs From Bloom's Taxonomy
Form Habits of Minds
Capitalize Upon the Multiple Intelligences
Differentiate Instruction
Support All Students
Incorporate Instruction That Works
Let Your Students Teach One Another...
5 Design Assessments to Align With Objectives
Set Goals, Objectives, and Expectations
Start With the End in Mind
Feature All Three Types of Assessment
Determine the Functions and Purposes
Vary the Structures and Formats
Use Selected Responses
Include Constructed Essays
Highlight Demonstrated Performances and Laboratory Skills
Remember Personal Communications
Offer Authentic and Alternative Assessments
Incorporate Portfolios
Prepare Rubrics and Scoring Guides
Understand the Results of Standardized Testing
Develop an Assessment Blueprint
Make Sure the Process Makes Sense for Everyone...
6 Connect the Learning to Reach Students' Lives
Create Constructivist Classrooms
Clarify Misconceptions
Select Questions Effectively
Consider Various Approaches to Asking Questions
Analyze Current Events to Prepare Informed Citizens
Address Controversial Issues
Draw on the Essential Questions of Science
Make Linkages Among Science, Technology, and Society
Advance Your Classroom Discussions
Conduct a Benefit/Risk Analysis
Involve Students in Project-Based Learning
Integrate Twenty-First-Century Learning Skills
Look for More Ideas
Reinforce How Science Impacts Society and Our Personal Lives...
7 Develop Literacy to Build Science Skills
Introduce Literacy Processes and Outcomes
Develop Vocabulary and Concepts
Develop Characteristics of Expert Readers
Use the Textbook as a Tool
Start With Reading Anticipation Activities
Assign Reading
Facilitate Reading Response Strategies
Include All Kinds of Text
Support Struggling Readers and English Language Learners
Integrate Various Types of Writing
Grant Your Students Writing P.O.W.E.R.
Try the DRAFT Writing Process
Develop Observation Skills
Reference Current and Historical Events
Equip Your Students to Communicate Science...
8 Plan With Students in Mind to Prepare Your Teaching
Select Your Units of Learning
Highlight Concepts
Emphasize Significant Themes of Science
Teach Societal Issues
Envision Your Planning Schema
Follow a Consistent Lesson Plan Format
Understand Attention Span
Captivate Students as You Open Lessons
Begin the Learning Experience
Start With Some Direct Teaching
Feature Indirect Teaching
Reinforce Learning During Closure
Assign Homework
Use Block Scheduling Wisely
Make the Most of Your Time....
9 Incorporate Resources to Make Science Real
Set the Stage
Introduce Models and Specimens
Bring in Plants and Animals
Teach With Toys
Feature Science Literature, Poetry, and Humor
Draw From Science Fiction to Teach Science Facts
Explore the Rich History of Science
Incorporate Multimedia Selections
Take Field Trips
Follow Guidelines for Taking Field Trips
Consider Virtual Field Trips
Conduct Virtual Dissections and Experiments
Become a Role Model of Resourcefulness...
10 Integrate Technology to Enrich Learning
Take a Technology Inventory
Plan for Computer Use
Organize Your Resources
Improve Administrativia
Improve Teaching With Technology Tools
Have Students Communicate Electronically
Calculate and Probe Hands-On Science
Position Your Students for Learning
Investigate Critical Thinking Interactives
Utilize Teacher Utilities
Tap the Audience With a Response System
Consider a Few More Web Resources
Demonstrate the Cutting Edge of Science...
11 Seek Powerful Activities to Engage Learners
Participate in Competitions and Programs
Showcase Science Fair Projects
Encourage Individual Competitions
Team Up for Collaborative Competitions
Connect to Careers
Invite Guest Speakers
Prepare Students to Be a Receptive Audience
Develop Science Activities in Your School
Celebrate Learning Through Science
Offer Service-Learning Opportunities
Sponsor a Club
Check out Community Resources
Start a School Resource Bank
Have Fun With Science...
12 Collaborate With Colleagues to Expand Opportunities
Contemplate the Collaborative Nature of Scientific Discovery
Examine Collaborative Concepts and Practices
Adopt the Secrets of Successful Collaborators
Consider Various Teaming Configurations
Weigh Pros and Cons of Team Teaching Carefully
Understand School Organizational Patterns
Make the Most of Departmentalization
Integrate Science Across the Curriculum
Talk to Technology Specialists
Team Up With Instructional Aides to Support Students
Contact Other Employees in the District
See Science in Society and the World
Integrate Science Naturally...
13 Reflect on Your Practice to Fortify Your Future
Look Back to Look Ahead
Reflect on Learning With Purpose
Evaluate Your Curriculum
Make a Difference at the School or District Level
Join Professional Organizations
Attend a Science Education Conference
Find a Mentor
Earn a Graduate Degree or Additional Credential
Look at Science Literature
Apply the Findings of Research in Science Education
Engage in Scientific Research
Consider National Board Certification
Keep an Open and Active Mind
Become the Teacher You Always Wanted to Be...
Resources
A Science Safety Checklist
B Science Textbook Evaluation Tool
C Detailed Lesson Plan Guide
D Abbreviated Lesson Plan Guide
E Curriculum Evaluation Guide for Science
Readings and References
Index