Once Upon A Physical Science Book

The authors of this book have been in your shoes. These experienced science teachers know what it’s like to work with students who struggle to understand their science texts. Once Upon a Physical Science Book came about because they couldn’t find a resource that shows how to integrate reading, writing, and physical science―so they wrote one themselves. Practical and easy to use, Once Upon a Physical Science Book provides everything you need to boost students’ skills in science and reading at the same time. It starts with advice on teaching reading-comprehension strategies to middle school students. Then the 12 content chapters give you • Hands-on physical science lessons with engaging titles such as “The Smash-Masters,” “Energy’s Wild Ride,” and “How to Not Die in Antarctica.” • Readings that cover key physical science concepts, including physical and chemical properties, inertia, energy, magnets, and waves. The readings support the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards. • Writing activities to connect what students did with what they read, plus “Thinking Mathematically” activities. • Assessment exercises to give you feedback on what your students are learning. A follow-up to NSTA Press’s Once Upon a Life Science Book and Once Upon an Earth Science Book, this resource emphasizes the special ability of science teachers to improve students’ literacy skills. As the authors note, “The good news is that there are many parallels between how people learn science and how they learn to become better readers. … As you and your students work through these lessons together, you will be able to watch their confidence as readers―and your confidence as a reading educator―grow.”

Jodi Wheeler-Toppen is a teacher and science writer whose book topics range from extreme insects to exciting and explosive experiments. Her science articles have appeared in children's magazines such as Highlights, Cricket, Spider, and Ask. 

She holds a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Georgia, where her dissertation addressed integrating literacy and science instruction. When she's not writing or doing author visits, she conducts staff development for teachers. Jodi Wheeler-Toppen is a teacher and science writer whose book topics range from extreme insects to exciting and explosive experiments. Her science articles have appeared in children's magazines such as Highlights, Cricket, Spider, and Ask. 

She holds a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Georgia, where her dissertation addressed integrating literacy and science instruction. When she's not writing or doing author visits, she conducts staff development for teachers.