You are here

Becoming a Better Science Teacher
Share

Becoming a Better Science Teacher
8 Steps to High Quality Instruction and Student Achievement

Foreword by Dave Youngs


Courses:
Science Methods

June 2006 | 216 pages | Corwin

"A very exciting and user-friendly text, dealing with standards and making practical connections to assessment and teaching, and with excellent examples throughout."
-Gary Willhite, Teacher Educator
Southern Illinois University

Create a new vision for high quality science teaching!

In today's standards-based educational climate, teachers are challenged to create meaningful learning experiences while meeting specific goals and accountability targets. In her essential new book, Elizabeth Hammerman brings more than 20 years as a science educator and consultant to help teachers connect all of the critical elements of first-rate curriculum and instruction.

With this simple, straight-on guide, teachers can analyze their existing curriculum and instruction against a rubric of indicators of critical characteristics, related standards, concept development, and teaching strategies to develop students' scientific literacy at the highest levels. Every chapter is packed with charts, sample lesson ideas, reflection and discussion prompts, and more, to help teachers expand their capacity for success.

Hammerman describes what exceptional teaching looks like in the classroom and provides practical, teacher-friendly strategies to make it happen. This research-based resource will help teachers:

  • Reinforce understanding of standards-based concepts and inquiry
  • Add new content, methods, and strategies for instruction and assessment
  • Create rich learning environments
  • Maximize instructional time
  • Ask probing questions and sharpen discussion
  • Include technology
  • Gather classroom evidence of student achievement to inform instruction

Through a new, clear vision for high quality science teaching, this book gives teachers everything they need to deliver meaningful science instruction and ensure student success and achievement. 


 
Foreword
 
Preface
 
Introduction
 
Part 1. Creating a Vision for Science Education
 
1. On the Shoulders of Giants
 
2. Defining High Quality Science Teaching
 
Part 2. Giant Steps to High Quality Teaching
 
3. The Role of Science Standards
 
4. Creating a Context for Meaningful Learning
 
5. Methods, Strategies, and Best Practices for High Quality Instruction
 
6. Tools for Thinking and Meaning
 
7. Assessments to Guide Instruction
 
8. Safe, Supportive and Challenging Environments for Learning
 
9. Eight Steps to High Quality and Student Achievement

"The major strengths of this book are dealing with standards and making practical connections to assessment and teaching, and the excellent examples throughout and their practicality. A very exciting and user-friendly text."

Gary Willhite, Teacher Educator
Southern Illinois University

"What a treasure! The contents will change the way teachers teach and students learn. This book is a tour de force, a must-read for every educator!"

Marian White-Hood, Principal
Prince George's County Public Schools, Upper Marlboro, MD

"This text is especially strong in the clear, solid approach toward developing high-quality science instruction. It does an exceptional job of relating this step-by-step approach to educational research on science pedagogy."

Diann Musial, Distinguished Teaching Professor
Northern Illinois University

"Gives teachers everything they need to deliver meaningful science instruction and ensure student success and achievement."

SirReadaLot.org, August 2006

"Hammerman's recommendations and instructional supports complement current teaching practices across disciplines and grade levels."

Curriculum Connections, Spring 2007
School Library Journal
Key features
  • Sample hands-on inquiry, case study, video study and other models
  • How-to for aligning standards
  • User friendly for k-9 teachers
  • Great resource for vertical or team study groups and professional development
  • Integrates technology
  • Pulls all the pieces together for high quality science teaching

For instructors

Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781483361956

Paperback
ISBN: 9781412926614
$42.95

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412926607
$83.95