Elementary Science Methods: A Constructivist Approach (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) - Softcover

Martin, David Jerner

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0495004952 ISBN 13: 9780495004950

Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

In this pioneering text, Martin uses a constructivist approach to guide students in learning how to teach in a constructivist manner. Grounded in the belief that it is more important for children to learn how to do science than it is for them to learn about science, this text is predicated on the reality that teachers of elementary science do not need to know a great deal of science to be good science teachers, but need to be co-inquirers with their students. To facilitate your students' learning, this text features a wealth of exercises: for teacher candidates, the book includes open-ended inquiry activities that help them to construct their own personal conceptualizations about science content and teaching science in the elementary school; and, it contains over 170 process-oriented, open-ended activities that teachers can use to encourage children to develop and perform their own investigations. The Book Companion CD-ROM, included with each new copy, provides tools and resources, such as additional activities and video, which students can use both in their college course and later in elementary science classrooms. All activities are linked to National Science Education Standards for content, professional development, assessment, and teaching, and the activities contain suggestions of appropriate children's literature.

About this title

About the Author

David Jerner Martin (Ph.D.) is Professor Emeritus of Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University. A gifted teacher and an outspoken advocate of constructivist-based teaching, he is best known as the author of the pioneering text, ELEMENTARY SCIENCE METHODS: A CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACH, now in its Sixth Edition. Dr. Martin has consulted on constructivist teaching at home and abroad, and was technical consultant with The Weather Channel for The Weather Classroom. He has received several university awards for distinguished teaching and publications.

Review

"This is a great text. It is straightforward and easy to read. Each chapter has many great activities for students to think about and try in their classrooms and good lesson plans to follow. It is not intimidating for students who feel unprepared to teach science."

"I find the approach and basic premise of the book appealing. I am pleased to see an emphasis on national standards, especially from the NSES, NSTA, and NAEIC."

"The Martin text is one of the leaders in contemporary elementary science methods texts based upon what's in between the covers. Congratulations to the author!"

"The content, organization and format are impressive, but what stays with me is David Martin's personable approach in his writings."

"The writing style is excellent, especially as a beginning methods text. My students should find it quite easy to read and comprehend."

Edition details

• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0495004952
• ISBN 13: 9780495004950
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 578