Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards: A Guide for Teaching and Learning

Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards is the book that educators have been waiting for--a practical guide to teaching inquiry and teaching through inquiry, as recommended by the National Science Education Standards. This will be an important resource for educators who must help school boards, parents, and teachers understand "why we can't teach the way we used to."

"Inquiry" refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and in which students grasp science knowledge and the methods by which that knowledge is produced. This book explains and illustrates how inquiry helps students learn science content, master how to do science, and understand the nature of science.

This book explores the dimensions of teaching and learning science as inquiry for K-12 students across a range of science topics. Detailed examples help clarify when teachers should use the inquiry-based approach and how much structure, guidance, and coaching they should provide.

The book dispels myths that may have discouraged educators from the inquiry-based approach and illuminates the subtle interplay between concepts, processes, and science as it is experienced in the classroom. Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards shows how to bring the standards to life, with features such as classroom vignettes exploring different kinds of inquiries for elementary, middle, and high school and Frequently Asked Questions for teachers, responding to common concerns such as obtaining teaching supplies.

Turning to assessment, the committee discusses why assessment is important, looks at existing schemes and formats, and addresses how to involve students in assessing their own learning achievements. In addition, this book discusses administrative assistance, communication with parents, appropriate teacher evaluation, and other avenues to promoting and supporting this new teaching paradigm.

Produced under the direction of a committee of the Center for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education, this guide for teachers attempts to provide an understanding of the concept of teaching "inquiry" and how to apply it to science teaching in kindergarten through 12th grade settings. Inquiry is seen as a twofold process that encompasses both the abilities students should develop in order to design and conduct scientific investigations as well as the teaching and learning strategies that enable scientific concepts to be mastered through investigations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

A science journalist whose writing has earned him a reputation for cracking the often-mystifying code of biological science for the lay reader, Steve Olson s 2002 National Book Award-nominated work boldly steps up to the ambitious task of Mapping Human History.