Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers: Using Nonfiction to Promote Science Literacy, Grades 3–5

In Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers, science educators Jessica Fries-Gaither and Terry Shiverdecker help teachers blend literacy into elementary science instruction. This unique book will show teachers how to teach science using a variety of nonfiction text sets (such as field guides, reference books, and narrative expository texts) and replace individual lessons with a learning-cycle format (including hands-on investigations, readings, directed discussion, and problem solving). Research-based and teacher-friendly, Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers shows how inquiry can engage your students in reading nonfiction texts, discussing important science concepts, and writing to both develop understanding and share information. Here are some of the book’s special features: • Eight units covering life, physical, Earth, and space science―from “Drip Drop Detectives: Exposing the Water Cycle” to “Classroom Curling: Exploring Forces and Motion” to “Beaks and Biomes: Understanding Adaptation in Migrating Organisms.” Two additional units cover the nature of science. All units have been classroom-tested for effectiveness and align with the National Science Education Standards and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. • Detailed scientific background, common misconceptions associated with the content, an annotated list of the texts in the text set, safety considerations, reproducible student pages, and suggested assessments. • Authentic, inquiry-based contexts for reading, writing, and discussion through read-alouds, collaborative activities, graphic organizers, and writing prompts. Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers will change the way you think about engaging your students. The authors show that it’s possible to integrate literacy into elementary-level science instruction without sacrificing quality in either area.

Jessica Fries-Gaither is an award-winning author of books for children and teachers. Her writing introduces readers to the wonder of the natural world and the work of scientists, past and present. Jessica holds bachelor's degrees in Biological Sciences (B.S.) and Anthropology (B.A.) and a Master's in Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Notre Dame. A veteran science educator with over 25 years of experience, she is currently an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the Library of Congress. Prior to the fellowship, she was the Science Department Chair and Lower School Science Specialist at Columbus School for Girls. She lives in Columbus, OH with her husband and lovable but rambunctious dogs. She also enjoys reading, cooking and baking, and spending time outside.

Terry Shiverdecker is the K- 12 STEM program director in the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Terry works on developing and sustaining partnerships and pursuing state and national funding to support activities related to STEM education and teacher professional development. Previously, Terry was the director of STEM Initiatives at the Ohio Resource Center. She earned anf EdD from the University of Cincinnati, an MAT in Biology from Miami University, and a BS in Science Education from Wright State University. Terry has also taught high school science; taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati, the Lake Campus of Wright State University, and Ohio Wesleyan University; and served as the director of secondary curriculum and instruction at the Shelby County Educational Service Center.