Doing Good Science in Middle School: A Practical Guide to Inquiry-Based Instruction

Just as middle schoolers are wired to learn in active, hands-on ways, this book is wired to help you spark a vital connection to these students to keep them tuned-in to science. Doing Good Science in Middle School combines practical insights about adolescent learners with what master teachers know about how to shift from passive, textbook-centered instruction to inquiry-based investigations. Chapters cover the psychology of the middle school learner; why inquiry and collaboration are the cornerstones of good science; integrating science, literacy, math, and technology; classroom management and safety; plus additional resources and sample forms. But at the book s core are 10 must-do activities. All are developmentally appropriate, inquiry- and Standards-based lessons of use to teachers at all experience levels (including preservice). Doing Good Science is a truly comprehensive practitioner s guide. It brings you ideas for presenting curriculum, strategies for reaching all students, and a research basis for justifying your practices in the classroom all through a combination of humor and true stories from experienced educators who make a solid case for inquiry in real-world middle school.

A Book worth reading. This book serves as an informational source for novice and experienced teachers alike. The book promotes inquiry based instruction. The first few chapters provide an introduction to inquiry based instruction and explains why it is vital in the process of learning science. There are ten inquiry based lessons, each containing many supplements such as objectives, procedures, and suggestions for assessment. The book is well formatted with easy to read tables and charts and provides the reader with a quick read or a quick reference. --Reviewed by: Amy Diehm (Elliottsburg, PA) on June 14, 2009

Great for all. This book is an excellent place to start for those teachers who wish to implement an inquiry based program in their classroom. This book starts by telling how the average adolescent learns and gives you ideas on how to best capture their attention and allow them to use their own cognitive abilities to complete the activities. Highly recommended to anyone looking to bring more hands-on activities into their classroom. --Reviewed by: William (Downers Grove, IL) on July 16, 2008