Launching Learners in Science, Prek-5: How to Design Standards-based Experiences and Engage Students in Classroom Conversations

The only way to teach science is to do science. The combination of teaching and doing involves three elements: knowing content, teachers knowing and understanding themselves as teachers and learners, and, most importantly, knowing children. Kerry C. Williams and George E. Veomett describe principles and requirements that reflect the National Science Education Standards for the active learning of science. They brilliantly identify key ingredients for primary students and outline the best course of action to aid their development as young scientists.
Using research on cognitive and neural development and motivational theory from the work of Piaget and Vygotsky, this is an invaluable tool for teachers inexperienced in science. It will help you discover new ways to think about science and develop lessons that are rich, fun, and authentic for both you and your students.
All educators will find examples, questions, stories, and thought-provoking ideas to give students a strong start in science achievement, plus:
• Six key elements to build into science instruction: observing, representing, organizing, patterning and questioning, experimenting, and sharing
• How-to's for incorporating inquiry, workshops, centers, and projects in primary and elementary classrooms
• A four-step system—choice, planning, doing, reviewing—that helps promote learning in science and across all subjects

Kerry C. Williams a professor of Education at Wayne State College. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

George E. Veomett is a professor of biology at The University of Nebraska- Lincoln and has taught general biology to pre-service elementary and middle school science teachers for more than twelve years. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.