ELEMENTARY SCIENCE METHODS: A CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACH, Fifth Edition, is based on two fundamental and complementary ideas: it is more important for children to learn how to do science than to learn about science, and elementary science teachers do not need to know a great deal of science but rather should be co- inquirers with their students. To facilitate learning, this text features a wealth of exercises, including open-ended inquiry activities that help teacher candidates construct their own personal conceptualizations about science content and teaching methods. The text also contains over 170 process-oriented, open-ended activities, organized by grade level, that practicing teachers can use to encourage children to develop and perform their own investigations. The Book Companion DVD (available separately) provides valuable tools and resources such as additional activities and video clips that students can use both in their college course and later in elementary science classrooms.

Table of Contents

Part I: CONSTRUCTING THE ELEMENTARY SCIENCE PROGRAM. 1. The Science Education Imperative. 2. Science Education Today. 3. The Process of Science. 4. Constructivism in Elementary Science Education. 5. Inquiry. 6: Science Education for Students with Diverse Perspectives. 7: Science Education for Students with Learning Differences. 8. Assessment. 9. The Elementary Science Classroom. Part II: BEYOND THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM. 10. Reading, Writing, and Interdisciplinary Approaches. 11. Technology in Elementary Science Education. 12. Concept Mapping in Elementary Science. 13. The Elementary Science Education Professional. Part III: BACK TO THE FUTURE. 14. A Model of Teaching by Listening.