A Framework for K-12 Science Education

A Framework for K-12 Science Education
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2012-02-28
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0309214459

Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.

Life Science Quest for Middle Grades, Grades 6 - 8

Life Science Quest for Middle Grades, Grades 6 - 8
Author: Schyrlet Cameron
Publisher: Mark Twain Media
Total Pages: 96
Release: 2008-09-02
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1580377068

Connect students in grades 6–8 with science using Life Science Quest for Middle Grades. This 96-page book helps students practice scientific techniques while studying cells, plants, animals, DNA, heredity, ecosystems, and biomes. The activities use common classroom materials and are perfect for individual, team, and whole-group projects. The book includes a glossary, standards lists, unit overviews, and enrichment suggestions. It is great as core curriculum or a supplement and supports National Science Education Standards.

Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science

Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science
Author: National Science Resources Center of the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 312
Release: 1996-03-28
Genre: Education
ISBN: 030917628X

What activities might a teacher use to help children explore the life cycle of butterflies? What does a science teacher need to conduct a "leaf safari" for students? Where can children safely enjoy hands-on experience with life in an estuary? Selecting resources to teach elementary school science can be confusing and difficult, but few decisions have greater impact on the effectiveness of science teaching. Educators will find a wealth of information and expert guidance to meet this need in Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science. A completely revised edition of the best-selling resource guide Science for Children: Resources for Teachers, this new book is an annotated guide to hands-on, inquiry-centered curriculum materials and sources of help in teaching science from kindergarten through sixth grade. (Companion volumes for middle and high school are planned.) The guide annotates about 350 curriculum packages, describing the activities involved and what students learn. Each annotation lists recommended grade levels, accompanying materials and kits or suggested equipment, and ordering information. These 400 entries were reviewed by both educators and scientists to ensure that they are accurate and current and offer students the opportunity to: Ask questions and find their own answers. Experiment productively. Develop patience, persistence, and confidence in their own ability to solve real problems. The entries in the curriculum section are grouped by scientific areaâ€"Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Multidisciplinary and Applied Scienceâ€"and by typeâ€"core materials, supplementary materials, and science activity books. Additionally, a section of references for teachers provides annotated listings of books about science and teaching, directories and guides to science trade books, and magazines that will help teachers enhance their students' science education. Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science also lists by region and state about 600 science centers, museums, and zoos where teachers can take students for interactive science experiences. Annotations highlight almost 300 facilities that make significant efforts to help teachers. Another section describes more than 100 organizations from which teachers can obtain more resources. And a section on publishers and suppliers give names and addresses of sources for materials. The guide will be invaluable to teachers, principals, administrators, teacher trainers, science curriculum specialists, and advocates of hands-on science teaching, and it will be of interest to parent-teacher organizations and parents.

General Science, Grades 5 - 8

General Science, Grades 5 - 8
Author: Wendi Silvano
Publisher: Mark Twain Media
Total Pages: 96
Release: 2009-02-16
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1580378315

Connect students in grades 5–8 with science using General Science: Daily Skill Builders. This 96-page book features two short, reproducible activities per page and includes enough lessons for an entire school year. It provides extra practice with physical, earth, space, and life science skills. Activities allow for differentiated instruction and can be used as warm-ups, homework assignments, and extra practice. The book supports National Science Education Standards.

Interactive Notebook: Life Science, Grades 5 - 8

Interactive Notebook: Life Science, Grades 5 - 8
Author: Schyrlet Cameron
Publisher: Carson-Dellosa Publishing
Total Pages: 64
Release: 2018-01-02
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1622237080

Encourage students to create their own learning portfolios with Interactive Notebook: Life Science for grades five through eight. This Mark Twain interactive notebook includes 29 lessons in these three units of study: -structure of life -classification of living organisms -ecological communities This personalized resource helps students review and study for tests. Mark Twain Media Publishing Company specializes in providing engaging supplemental books and decorative resources to complement middle- and upper-grade classrooms. Designed by leading educators, this product line covers a range of subjects including mathematics, sciences, language arts, social studies, history, government, fine arts, and character.

Resources for Teaching Middle School Science

Resources for Teaching Middle School Science
Author: Smithsonian Institution
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 496
Release: 1998-03-30
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0309174740

With age-appropriate, inquiry-centered curriculum materials and sound teaching practices, middle school science can capture the interest and energy of adolescent students and expand their understanding of the world around them. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science, developed by the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), is a valuable tool for identifying and selecting effective science curriculum materials that will engage students in grades 6 through 8. The volume describes more than 400 curriculum titles that are aligned with the National Science Education Standards. This completely new guide follows on the success of Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science, the first in the NSRC series of annotated guides to hands-on, inquiry-centered curriculum materials and other resources for science teachers. The curriculum materials in the new guide are grouped in five chapters by scientific areaâ€"Physical Science, Life Science, Environmental Science, Earth and Space Science, and Multidisciplinary and Applied Science. They are also grouped by typeâ€"core materials, supplementary units, and science activity books. Each annotation of curriculum material includes a recommended grade level, a description of the activities involved and of what students can be expected to learn, a list of accompanying materials, a reading level, and ordering information. The curriculum materials included in this book were selected by panels of teachers and scientists using evaluation criteria developed for the guide. The criteria reflect and incorporate goals and principles of the National Science Education Standards. The annotations designate the specific content standards on which these curriculum pieces focus. In addition to the curriculum chapters, the guide contains six chapters of diverse resources that are directly relevant to middle school science. Among these is a chapter on educational software and multimedia programs, chapters on books about science and teaching, directories and guides to science trade books, and periodicals for teachers and students. Another section features institutional resources. One chapter lists about 600 science centers, museums, and zoos where teachers can take middle school students for interactive science experiences. Another chapter describes nearly 140 professional associations and U.S. government agencies that offer resources and assistance. Authoritative, extensive, and thoroughly indexedâ€"and the only guide of its kindâ€"Resources for Teaching Middle School Science will be the most used book on the shelf for science teachers, school administrators, teacher trainers, science curriculum specialists, advocates of hands-on science teaching, and concerned parents.