Activities for Teaching Science as Inquiry includes over 100 activities to cover essential concepts in physical, life, and earth strands. Background information is provided for teachers as well as ways to motivate learners and help them apply what they learn.
Every activity follows the 5-E Model (Engaging, Exploring, Explaining, Elaborating, and Evaluating,) and is sequenced to develop science concepts in a developmentally appropriate way for grades K-8. The 5-E model is a Learning Cycle Model that reflects the NSES Science as Inquiry Standards. The inclusion of the NSES standards provides a comprehensive view of how the NSES Science Content Standards can be used to organize curriculum and inform instruction in elementary and middle school science. A series of activities are also included to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities.
The book is organized into four sections:
1. Teaching Inquiry Science Activities
2. Physical Science Activities
3. Life Science Activities
4. Earth and Space Science Activities
The appendices include information on safety, measuring, where to buy supplies, science periodicals, professional societies, and contemporary elementary science projects and programs.
