Science for All Children

Remember the first time you planted a seed and watched it sprout? Or explored how a magnet attracted a nail? If these questions bring back memories of joy and wonder, then you understand the idea behind inquiry-based science—an approach to science education that challenges children to ask questions, solve problems, and develop scientific skills as well as gain knowledge. Inquiry-based science is based on research and experience, both of which confirm that children learn science best when they engage in hands-on science activities rather than read from a textbook.The recent National Science Education Standards prepared by the National Research Council call for a revolution in science education. They stress that the science taught must be based on active inquiry and that science should become a core activity in every grade, starting in kindergarten. This easy-to-read and practical book shows how to bring about the changes recommended in the standards. It provides guidelines for planning and implementing an inquiry-based science program in any school district.The book is divided into three parts. "Building a Foundation for Change," presents a rationale for inquiry-based science and describes how teaching through inquiry supports the way children naturally learn. It concludes with basic guidelines for planning a program.School administrators, teachers, and parents will be especially interested in the second part, "The Nuts and Bolts of Change." This section describes the five building blocks of an elementary science program:Community and administrative support.A developmentally appropriate curriculum.Opportunities for professional development.Materials support.Appropriate assessment tools.Together, these five elements provide a working model of how to implement hands-on science.The third part, "Inquiry-Centered Science in Practice," presents profiles of the successful inquiry-based science programs in districts nationwide. These profiles show how the principles of hands-on science can be adapted to different school settings.If you want to improve the way science is taught in the elementary schools in your community, Science for All Children is an indispensable resource.Table of ContentsFront MatterIntroductionPart 1: Building a Foundation for Change1. The Value of Science Education2. How Children Learn3. Sharing the Vision of Exemplary Elementary Science4. Planning for the New Elementary Science ProgramPart 2: The Nuts and Bolts of Change5. Criteria for Selecting Inquiry-Centered Science Curriculum Materials6. Professional Development for Inquiry-Centered Science7. Establishing a Science Materials Support Center8. Assessment Strategies for Inquiry-Centered Science9. Building Support for the Science ProgramPart 3: Inquiry-Centered Science in PracticeIntroductionMontgomery County, MarylandSpokane, WashingtonEast Baton Rouge Parish, LouisianaCupertino, CaliforniaHuntsville, AlabamaPasadena, CaliforniaSan Francisco, CaliforniaGreen Bay, WisconsinEpilogueNotesAppendix A: Professional Associations and U.S. Government OrganizationsAppendix B: Exemplary Elementary Science Curriculum MaterialsIndexCreditsNational Science Resources Center Advisory Board