Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Science Textbook/ Resources?

    Posted 01-23-2019 09:54 AM
    Curious if anyone has a favorite Science textbook for teachers working with ages 0-8 in a master's level course.  Also seeking good articles, websites, and videos (already found some great resources in the Science Interest group!). Thanks!

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    Lauren Solarski, MS
    Math Coach & PD Facilitator, Early Math Collaborative
    Instructor, Teacher Education and Child Development
    Doctoral Fellow, Erikson Institute and Loyola University
    Chicago, IL
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  • 2.  RE: Science Textbook/ Resources?

    Posted 01-24-2019 08:01 AM
    Hi Lauren,
    Glad you found the ECSIF group's resources to be helpful!  
    Some resources I use with EC educators at all levels:
    The appendices of the NGSS: https://www.nextgenscience.org/resources/ngss-appendices 
    The NSTA journal Science and Children (full disclosure: I write the Early Years column)
    "Teacher resource" books:
         The Young Scientist series--my favorite for using science and engineering practices in science inquiries
         Thinking BIG Learning BIG--wonderfully integrates math and literacy
    The NSTA Learning Center where the free registration allows access to all the forums.

    I know there are many other quality resources that can be evaluated using the NSTA (NAEYC endorsed) position statement on early childhood science education, among other guiding resources. 
    Best wishes,
    Peggy

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    Peggy Ashbrook
    Early childhood science teacher
    Alexandria, VA
    NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
    Early Years blogger, www.nsta.org/earlyyears
    Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
    Science Is Simple
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  • 3.  RE: Science Textbook/ Resources?

    Posted 01-24-2019 06:25 PM
    Hi, 
    I taught undergrad and grad courses in early childhood and elementary science teaching at Wheelock College for many years up until this past spring. I am merely adding to what Peggy suggested as she's given a great start. My suggestions have worked well for me--many might seem dated but I am of the firm belief that there is relatively little that is new in how to teach science at this level. Some might seem simplistic for grad students but I've found that what works for undergrads in science teaching/learning  also usually works for grad students as most adults have little if any schooling in science teaching in the early years. Please note too that I am  biased as I have worked closely with a number of these authors. So, here are some of the readings taken from a recent syllabus. Please feel free to ask specific questions about any of these suggestions. Good luck!

     

    Text: Worth, K. and Grollman, S. (2003). Worms, shadows, and whirlpools: Science in the early childhood classroom. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

    Chaille, C. & Britain, L. (2003). The young child as scientist: A constructivist approach to early childhood science education (3nd Ed.). New York: Longman.

    Articles/chapters:

    Collected papers from an early childhood science conference held in 2010:

    http://ecrp.illinois.edu/beyond/seed/index.html

    Chapter 2: "What Children Gain by Learning Through Inquiry," by Hubert Dyasi from National Science Foundation. (1999). Foundations, Volume 2: Inquiry: Thoughts, Views and Strategies for the K-5 Classroom. Available: www.nsf.gov/pubs/2000/nsf99148/start.htm 

    "Why Preschool Shouldn't Be Like School," by Alison Gopnik at http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2011/03/why_preschool_shouldnt_be_like_school.html 

    Chapter 5: "Lessons Learned: Addressing Common Misconceptions About Inquiry" from National Science Foundation. (1999). Foundations, Volume 2: Inquiry: Thoughts, Views and Strategies for the K-5 Classroom. Available at: www.nsf.gov/pubs/2000/nsf99148/start.htm

    Forman, G. (1996). "Helping Children Ask Good Questions." Available at: http://www.asfg.mx/images/temp/asomex-forman-HelpingChildrenAskGoodQuestions.pdf

    Elstgeest, J. (1985). The Right Question at the Right Time. Available at: https://johnnyrocket88.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/the-right-question-at-the-right-time.pdf

     

    Fitzsimmons, P. & Goldhaber, J. (January, 1997). Siphons, pumps and missile launchers: Inquiry at the water tables. Science and Children, 16-19, 42. National Science Teachers Association 

    The  NAEYC Joint (with the Fred Rogers Center at St. Vincent's College) Position Statement: Technology and interactive media as tools in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age eight.  http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PS_technology_WEB2.pdf

    Harlen, W. 2001. (2nd edition). Primary Science: Taking the Plunge. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Educational Books.

    Hoisington, C., Chalufour, I., Winokur, J. & Clark-Chiarelli, N. (2014). Promoting children's science inquiry and learning through water investigations. Young Children, 69(4), 72-79. 

    Hoisington, C. and Winokur, J. (2015). Tools of science inquiry that support life science investigations. Science and Children 52(6), 24-25.

    Hoisington, C. and Winokur, J. (2015). Gimme an 'E:' Seven strategies for supporting the E in young children's STEM learning. Science and Children 53(1), 44-51.

     



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    Jeff Winokur
    Needham MA
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