Part 3: Overview
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art 3, "Teacher's References," consists of annotated lists of reference books and periodicals to which the elementary classroom teacher can turn for assistance in teaching hands-on, inquiry-centered science. The lists are as follows: "Books on Teaching Science," chapter 6; "Science Book Lists and Resource Guides," chapter 7; and "Periodicals," chapter 8.
Chapter 6, "Books on Teaching Science," includes more than 50 titles that offer guidance in learning theory and pedagogical techniques. The reference materials listed in this chapter vary from 30-page monographs to 700-page volumes. The topics covered include, for example:
- the theory and practice of activity-based, inquiry-centered science learning and teaching;
- classroom-tested ideas for planning, organizing, managing, and assessing an integrated guided-discovery program for science classes;
- current issues surrounding the assessment component of science teaching;
- indoor and outdoor activities that encourage the practice of basic science skills such as measuring, observing, and collecting and analyzing data;
- activities that involve an inter-disciplinary approach to science teaching and learning;
- information on keeping small animals in the classroom; and
- challenges such as the special learning needs of high-ability learners or the needs of students with disabilities in the science classroom.
Chapter 7, "Science Book Lists and Resource Guides," focuses on about 25 authoritative directories and guides. These reference works provide teachers with reviews and recommendations of books and materials, as well as information on how to select and obtain them. Among the annotated directories in the chapter are—
- bibliographies and reviews of publications and films for students, including lists of trade books highly recommended to satisfy the interests and academic needs of students in science and mathematics;
- guides to science equipment and material resources;
- guides to resources in electronic formats, including a comprehensive directory of computer software for pre-school through college; and
- directories of key personnel at organizations such as educational research centers and state and federal agencies of interest to those in elementary school science.
A final category of reference materials is presented in chapter 8, "Periodicals," which annotates 35 magazines for teachers and students. The periodicals were chosen for their excellence as instructional tools, for the quality of their articles and stories on scientific topics, for their appeal to children, and for their adaptability to classroom use. They offer current information in the sciences, ideas and activities for science teaching, and engaging reading matter for students.
The annotations indicate the grade level for which each title is recommended. The periodicals listed in chapter 8 include—
- a monthly magazine recommended for use in grades 6 and above that provides articles in a wide range of scientific fields and helps teachers translate the information into classroom projects and curriculum ideas;
- a K-8 resource with articles written by teachers, presenting creative ideas and activities;
- a magazine for grades 3-8 that explores nature, science, and technology through short nonfiction articles with lively, colorful photographs and drawings; and
- a monthly subject index to children's magazines for elementary and middle school students.
Chapters 6 through 8 are not exhaustive. Teachers are encouraged to keep their eyes open for new or other publications for their own lists of references. The absence of any volume or periodical from these lists is not intended as a comment on its quality or usefulness.
Insofar as possible, the current edition of a publication is annotated in part 3. However later editions of some volumes particularly annual or biannual directories, may have appeared after the text of Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science was completed.
Ordering Information
Prices for the books and periodicals in chapters 6 through 8 are given with the annotations. Costs of shipping and handling are not included. The addresses and phone and fax numbers for publishers of these materials are in appendix A, "Publishers and Suppliers."
Every effort was made to provide accurate, up-to-date ordering information, but readers may also wish to consult annually updated directories, such as NSTA Science Education Suppliers (see 7.21), or standard reference directories such as Books in Print at their local libraries or bookstores.
Likewise, because prices and availability may change, readers should check the prices of publications or supplies listed before placing an order. In some cases, discounts or special rates may be available to schools and educators.
