Table of Contents

Preface: Overview of the Book xi
Acknowledgments xv
About the Authors

1. Teaching Science to Children 1
   Chapter Learning Performances 1
   Introduction 1
   An Overview of Project-Based Science 6
   The Nature of Science and Its Relationship to Project-Based Science 11
   Reasons Young Learners Should Study Science 13
   Goals of Science Education 18
   National Goals and Project-Based Science 23
   Chapter Summary 25
   Chapter Highlights 26
   Key Terms 27
   References 27
2. How Children Construct Understanding of Science 29
   Chapter Learning Performances 29
   Introduction 29
   Student Understanding 30
   Models of Teaching 38
   Social Construction of Knowledge 40
   A Social Constructivist Model of Teaching 43
   Using Technology Tools to Extend Learning 58
   Chapter Summary 58
   Chapter Highlights 59
   Key Terms 60
   References 60
3. Establishing Relevance to Students’ Lives 63
   Chapter Learning Performances 63
   Introduction 63
   What Is a Driving Question? 67
   Examples of Driving Questions 73
   How Does Using a Driving Question Differ from More Traditional Instruction? 76
   How Is a Driving Question Developed? 77
   What Is the Value of the Driving Question? 91
   How Can a Driving Question Be Used Throughout a Project? 93
   Chapter Summary 94
   Chapter Highlights 94
   Key Terms 95
   References 95
4. Developing Scientifi c Investigations 97
   Chapter Learning Performances 97
   Investigations in Elementary and Middle School Science Instruction 97
   The Investigation Web 102
   Messing About 105
   Asking and Refi ning Questions 108
   Finding Information 114
   Planning and Designing 118
   Carrying Out the Procedures 125
   Chapter Summary 129
   Chapter Highlights 129
   Key Terms 130
   References 130
5. Making Sense of Data and Sharing Findings 133
   Chapter Learning Performances 133
   Introduction 133
   Making Sense of Data 136
   Constructing Scientifi c Explanation 145
   D rawing Conclusions 150
   Sharing with Others 153
   Supporting Students’ Implementation of Investigations 155
   Criteria for Assessing the Value of an Investigation 157
   Moving into the Next Round of Investigation 158
   Chapter Summary 160
   Chapter Highlights 161
   Key Terms 161
   References 162
6. Using Learning Technologies to Support Students in Inquiry 163
   Chapter Learning Performances 163
   Introduction 163
   Role of Technology in Constructing Science Understanding 167
   Integrating Technology into Instruction 184
   Chapter Summary 187
   Chapter Highlights 188
   Key Terms 189
   References 189
7. Collaboration in the Science Classroom 193
   Chapter Learning Performances 193
   Introduction 193
   The Nature of Collaboration 198
   Types of Collaborative Learning 201
   Creating a Collaborative Environment 205
   Challenges That Arise When Students Collaborate in Small Groups 226
   Why Collaboration Almost Always Works Better Than Individual Learning 233
   Chapter Summary 240
   Chapter Highlights 240
   Key Terms 243
   References 243
8. Collaboration in the Science Classroom 193
   Chapter Learning Performances 193
   Introduction 193
   The Nature of Collaboration 198
   Types of Collaborative Learning 201
   Creating a Collaborative Environment 205
   Challenges That Arise When Students Collaborate in Small Groups 226
   Why Collaboration Almost Always Works Better Than Individual Learning 233
   Chapter Summary 240
   Chapter Highlights 240
   Key Terms 243
   References 243
9. Assessing Students in Science 289
   Chapter Learning Performances 289
   Introduction 289
   The Purpose of Assessment 293
   The Nature of Classroom Assessment 298
   What to Assess 310
   When to Assess 312
   Using Technology Tools to Examine Assessment 317
   Chapter Summary 318
   Chapter Highlights 318
   Key Terms 319
   References 319
10. Assessing Student Understanding 321
    Chapter Learning Performances 321
    Introduction 321
    Assessment of Student Understanding 324
    Another Look at the Advantages of Educational Assessment 362
    Chapter Summary 364
    Chapter Highlights 365
    Key Terms 367
    References 367
11. Managing the Science Classroom 371
    Chapter Learning Performances 371
    Introduction 371
    Classroom Climate 378
    Classroom Organization 388
    Management Strategies 408
    Using Technology Tools to Facilitate Classroom Management 424
    Chapter Summary 435
    Chapter Highlights 425
    Key Terms 427
    References 427
12. Planning a Project-Based Curriculum 431
    Chapter Learning Performances 431
    Introduction 431
    Planning Lessons 433
    Developing a Project 444
    Selecting and Obtaining Resources 457
    Integrated Curriculum 464
    Chapter Summary 476
    Chapter Highlights 476
    Key Terms 477
    References 477
13. Next Steps 481
    Chapter Learning Performances 481
    Introduction 482
    Benefi ts of Project-Based Science 481
    Challenges of Project-Based Science 483
    Continuing Your Professional Growth 490
    Inquiry Into Your Teaching 493
    Chapter Summary 495
    Chapter Highlights 497
    Key Terms 498
    References 498

Index 499