Teaching Tips: Innovations in Undergraduate Science Instruction (e-book) Edited by: Marvin Druger, Eleanor D. Siebert, and Linda W. Crow e-Book Like a spirited idea exchange among experienced professors, Teaching Tips: Innovations in Undergraduate Science Instruction brings you the best thinking from campuses nationwide about how to engage undergraduate science students. Published to...  [view full summary] Like a spirited idea exchange among experienced professors, Teaching Tips: Innovations in Undergraduate Science Instruction brings you the best thinking from campuses nationwide about how to engage undergraduate science students. Published to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Society for College Science Teachers (SCST), Tips is a quick-read compilation of more than 50 innovative approaches that SCST members have found especially effective. The book is organized into three parts: • Pedagogical Practices includes using instant messaging as an involvement tool, encouraging active learning in large classes, and using “peer coercion” to stimulate teamwork • Assessment Activities covers pretests and post-tests to encourage more effective learning, Web-based warm-up exercises to assess student misconceptions, and poetry-writing exercises to encourage creative thinking in the sciences • Content Challenges offers approaches to teaching specific topics from calculations and conversions to conceptual physics, and ways to encourage active learning (using a portfolio approach, games like bingo and Jeopardy, substances like Jell-O, and even student-drawn comic strips) Most of the ideas in the book are applicable across the sciences. Because the tips are only 500 to 700 words each, all contributors have provided contact information so you can learn more by e-mailing them directly. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $16.87 Nonmember Price: $19.46 Grade Level: College, Informal Education

Understanding Models in Earth and Space Science (e-book) By: Steven W. Gilbert and Shirley Watt Ireton e-Book It’s a challenge educators at all grade levels face: How do you teach subjects your students can’t see, touch, or hear? You do it with models—which have gained new importance since the National Science Education Standards specifically recommended using...  [view full summary] It’s a challenge educators at all grade levels face: How do you teach subjects your students can’t see, touch, or hear? You do it with models—which have gained new importance since the National Science Education Standards specifically recommended using models as an organizing framework for teaching and understanding science. Whether your lessons concern molecules or Mars, Understanding Models in Earth and Space Science offers practical guidance. It’s designed to help you understand the full range of models available to illustrate abstract concepts, demonstrate complex ideas, or teach about things students can’t see. The book provides an in-depth look at specific kinds of models—what they are, how they can be designed, the best ways to use them, and possible shortcomings. Among the chapter topics are concrete models; mathematical models; similes, analogies, and metaphors; computer models; and inquiry and model building. Itself a model of good modeling, the book offers abundant examples (including drawing parallels between seemingly unrelated topics, such as how tornadoes are like vacuum cleaners) and plentiful background specific to Earth science teachers. Understanding Models is the result of a partnership between NSTA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $16.87 Nonmember Price: $19.46 Grade Level: Middle School

Earth Science Success: 50 Lesson Plans for Grades 6–9 (e-book) By: Catherine Oates-Bockenstedt and Michael Oates e-Book esigned as a ready-to-use survival guide for middle school Earth science teachers, this title is an invaluable resource that provides an entire year’s worth of inquiry-based and discovery-oriented Earth science lessons, including 33 investigations or...  [view full summary] esigned as a ready-to-use survival guide for middle school Earth science teachers, this title is an invaluable resource that provides an entire year’s worth of inquiry-based and discovery-oriented Earth science lessons, including 33 investigations or labs, and 17 detailed projects. This unique collection of astronomy, geology, meteorology, and physical oceanography lessons promotes deeper understanding of science concepts through a hands-on approach that identifies and dispels student misconceptions and expands student understanding and knowledge. In addition, this field-tested and standards-based volume is ideal for university-level methodology courses in science education. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $18.17 Nonmember Price: $20.96 Grade Level: Middle School, High School

Start Young: Early Childhood Science Activities (e-book) Edited by: Shannan McNair e-Book You asked for it—now you’ve got it! In a focus group at a recent NSTA convention, teachers of prekindergarten through second grade clamored for help. They do want easy-to-do science activities they can use for everyday teaching. But they don’t...  [view full summary] You asked for it—now you’ve got it! In a focus group at a recent NSTA convention, teachers of prekindergarten through second grade clamored for help. They do want easy-to-do science activities they can use for everyday teaching. But they don’t want to be forced to adapt material meant for older children. So here’s the solution. Start Young! offers a wealth of simple educational activities designed to use right away with even the littlest scientists. The book includes a chapter of helpful background on the latest thinking about effective ways to introduce science in early childhood. But the bulk of the book is two dozen articles compiled from Science & Children, NSTA’s award-winning journal for elementary school teachers. Among the topics: • Playful science activities for young children • The science and mathematics of building structures • Planning a Rock Day • What makes miniature sleds go, go, go • Figuring out how big is big and how big is small • Learning about birds, flight, ponds, and the environment • Creating science centers for all students Everyone who works with young children knows how eager they are to see, smell, hear, and touch the world around them. Encourage that natural curiosity while laying a foundation for a lifetime of learning about science. Start Young! is the age-appropriate resource to help you start them off right. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $14.27 Nonmember Price: $16.46 Grade Level: Elementary School

The Lingo of Learning: 88 Education Terms Every Science Teacher Should Know (e-book) By: Alan Colburn e-Book hat does “constructivism” mean? What is the difference between “reliability” and “validity?” You’ll be surprised at the ease of finding definitive answers to terminology questions like these with The Lingo of Learning. Ideal for the time-pressed...  [view full summary] hat does “constructivism” mean? What is the difference between “reliability” and “validity?” You’ll be surprised at the ease of finding definitive answers to terminology questions like these with The Lingo of Learning. Ideal for the time-pressed science teacher who is ready to learn once and for all what key terms really mean. Each of the 88 entries—from “anticipatory set” to “zone of proximal growth”—is a concise discussion (300 to 500 words) of education terms and ideas, most within the context of science teaching. The book’s chapters cover teaching techniques, learning theories, research concepts, and even the nature of science. Although this is a useful reference for a quick definition, you’ll be drawn into reading entire chapters—and come away with a deeper understanding. The author’s special gift: a friendly writing style, a balanced approach, and a willingness to tackle common misconceptions. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $14.92 Nonmember Price: $17.22 Grade Level: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Exemplary Science in Grades 5-8: Standards-Based Success Stories (e-book) Edited by: Robet E. Yager e-Book Do the Standards really matter in middle school? Nine years after the National Science Education Standards’ release, just how well do science teachers in grades 5 to 8 actually use them to plan content, define improved teaching, and assess real learning?...  [view full summary] Do the Standards really matter in middle school? Nine years after the National Science Education Standards’ release, just how well do science teachers in grades 5 to 8 actually use them to plan content, define improved teaching, and assess real learning? Find out the answers to these key questions in this groundbreaking collection of 15 essays by teachers, researchers, and professors whose specialty is middle school. Nine years after the release of the Standards, these educators describe what they’re doing to achieve the visions for the reform of teaching, assessment, professional development, and content. All the visions correspond to the Less Emphasis and More Emphasis conditions that conclude each section of the Standards, characterizing what most teachers and programs should do less of as well as describing the changes needed if real reform is to occur. Among this collection’s wide-ranging essay topics: “Teaching Science With Student Thinking in Mind,” “The Relationship Between a Professional Development Model and Student Achievement,” “Creating a Classroom Culture of Scientific Practices,” “Traveling the Inquiry Continuum: Learning Through Teacher Action Research,” “What Do We Get to Do Today? The Middle School Full Option Science System Program,” and “Teach Them to Fish.” This volume is the third in NSTA Press’s Exemplary Science monograph series, which provides the results of an unprecedented national search to assess how well the Standards’ vision has been realized. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $16.22 Nonmember Price: $18.71 Grade Level: Elementary School, Middle School

Hands-On Herpetology: Exploring Ecology and Conservation (e-book) By: Rebecca L. Schneider, Marianne E. Kransy, and J. Stephen Morreale e-Book Plentiful, diverse, and readily available, these animals—known in science as “herps”—are also perfect for teaching students about biology, ecology, and conservation, including problems affecting both amphibians and reptiles. This highly readable...  [view full summary] Plentiful, diverse, and readily available, these animals—known in science as “herps”—are also perfect for teaching students about biology, ecology, and conservation, including problems affecting both amphibians and reptiles. This highly readable resource melds rigorous science content with science research. Its five sections cover the animals’ biology and handling procedures (including safety tips), provide background information for teachers, offer twenty-one indoor/outdoor activities, and broach critical conservation issues. Hands-On Herpetology: Exploring Ecology and Conservation is ideal for middle and high school teachers, volunteer leaders in 4-H and other clubs, and nature center staff who want to mix serious issues with amazing science. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $17.52 Nonmember Price: $20.21 Grade Level: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Informal Education

Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 4: 25 New Formative Assessment Probes (e-book) By: Page Keeley and Joyce Tugel e-Book Wouldn't it be helpful to know what your students' ideas are about a science concept before launching into a new lesson or unit? Newly released Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 4, offers 25 more formative assessment probes to help...  [view full summary] Wouldn't it be helpful to know what your students' ideas are about a science concept before launching into a new lesson or unit? Newly released Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 4, offers 25 more formative assessment probes to help reveal students' preconceptions of fundamental concepts in science, bringing the total to 100 probes for the popular series by author Page Keeley. Teachers of grades K-12 will find short probes with grade-band specifics that provide easy-to-follow suggestions for addressing students' ideas by promoting learning through conceptual-change instruction. Volume 4 adds to the probes in physical, life, and Earth and space science with a new category called "unifying principles." Also covered is a discussion on balancing formative assessment with summative assessment. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $18.17 Nonmember Price: $20.96 Grade Level: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Technology in the Secondary Science Classroom (e-book) Edited by: Randy L. Bell, Julie Gess-Newsome, and Julie A. Luft e-Book If you’re waiting to be convinced that computers offer more than pricey bells and whistles in the classroom, this is the book that will open your mind to technology’s potential. But even if you’re an early (and avid) adopter, you’ll discover intriguing...  [view full summary] If you’re waiting to be convinced that computers offer more than pricey bells and whistles in the classroom, this is the book that will open your mind to technology’s potential. But even if you’re an early (and avid) adopter, you’ll discover intriguing new concepts for technology-based teaching strategies that help students really learn science concepts. The featured technologies range from the easy to master (such as digital cameras) to the more complex (such as Probeware and geographic information systems). Among the chapter topics: • Digital images and video for teaching science • Using computer simulations • Probeware tools for science investigations • Extending inquiry with geo-technologies • Acquiring online data for scientific analysis • Web-based inquiry projects • Online assessments and hearing students think about science The book’s emphasis is never on technology for technology’s sake. Each chapter includes a summary of current research on the technology’s effectiveness in the classroom; best-practice guidelines drawn from the research and practitioner literature; and innovative ideas for teaching with the particular technology. The goal is to stimulate your thinking about using these tools—and deepen your students’ engagement in science content. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $16.22 Nonmember Price: $18.71 Grade Level: Middle School, High School

Watershed Investigations: 12 Labs for High School Science (e-book) By: Carl Van Faasen, Graham Peaslee, William Statema, and Jennifer Soukhome e-Book As urbanization and populations increase, it becomes increasingly more important that we understand the given relationships between the trends in our behavior and the ecological impacts they impart. Of particular importance is the fragile state of a...  [view full summary] As urbanization and populations increase, it becomes increasingly more important that we understand the given relationships between the trends in our behavior and the ecological impacts they impart. Of particular importance is the fragile state of a great number of our watersheds, which provide not only drainage areas from our rivers and streams, but also drinking water for human and animal populations alike. Watershed Investigations: 12 Labs for High School Science provides high school educators with a series of broad-based, hands-on experiments designed to help students understand the relationships between human impact and local hydrology. Covering a range of disciplines—including geology, chemistry, Earth science, botany, and biology—this volume gives educators lesson plans that will interest the student and meet a wide array of state and national curricular standards. The book includes twelve customizable labs, each with extensive background and reference information designed to allow students to share the excitement of discovery along with the methods of scientific research and relevant examples of textbook subject material. Labs include: • Modeling Glacier Features with Sand • Glacial Features of a Watershed • Plant Identifications • Wetland Delineation • Measuring Plant Allelopathy • Stream Channel Morphology • Calculating Stream Discharge • Flood Frequency Analysis for a River • Comparison of Phosphorous Levels in Stream Sediments • Macroinvertebrate Identification • Factors that Affect Eutrophication • Groundwater Contamination The flexible formats of these labs can be customized to fit any teaching style and can be adapted to fit either inquiry-based or traditional methods based on the given class and situation. Additionally, the book contains helpful reference materials and appendices that include a history of the watershed, resources for additional information, and rubrics for writing classroom laboratory reports. An exceptional example of proactive ecological education, Watershed Investigations will give students real-world experiential learning opportunities to understand abstract environmental concepts with concrete scientific detail. [hide full abstract] Member Price: $18.17 Nonmember Price: $20.96 Grade Level: High School