Books on Science Education
Science and the art of teaching are forever evolving. These books help educators stay ahead of the curve with new ideas, strategies and activities to inspire their students.
The Game of Science Education
Author: Jeffrey Weld
Ages: Adults
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon, 2003
Science Concepts: Science education
This is an accessible, authoritative discussion about effective science teaching. The 16 contributors agree that science education should be approached as an exciting game. They should know: Many of them were involved in developing and reviewing the National Science Education Standards and fully appreciate the need to link research-based commentary and recommendations with the standards.
The book is suitable for a wide range of readers. Students will find engaging activities. New science teachers can learn what really works, while veterans can feed off the passion that comes through. Policy makers and average citizens alike will get a glimpse into a demanding profession.
Practical suggestions for effective science teaching are found from cover to cover, including resource lists featuring useful readings and Web sites. First-person accounts by the contributors make for interesting reading, and the broad range of approaches covered offers something for every teaching style.
Mythbusters: Don’t Try This At Home!
Author: Discovery
Ages: Ages 9 and above
Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2006
Science Concepts: Science education
Based on the popular Discovery Channel Mythbusters series, this collection of popular myths includes a “Do Try This At Home” page. Photos of Adam and Jamie conducting their mythbusting investigations and short but complete explanations make this a wonderful resource for parents, teachers and students. Even Buster, the long-suffering test dummy, is included, presenting science facts and background information.
While the Mythbusters premise is for entertainment purposes, the methods that Adam and Jamie and their team use mirror good experimental design. Brainbuster quizzes address common misconceptions in science. For example, “If you swallow a watermelon seed, a watermelon will grow in your stomach – true or false.” False! “Plants need sunlight to grow and it’s pretty dark inside your stomach.” The answer goes on to discuss other fruit pits and what will actually happen to the watermelon pit (use your imagination!).
This is fun to read and share with others, even if you're not going to conduct your own scientific investigations. The intrepid Mythbusters team continues to amaze, entertain and amuse, but always in the name of science!
Science Is . . .
Author: Susan Bosak
Ages: Adults
Publisher: Scholastic Canada, 2000
Science Concepts: Science education
This is a compilation of hands-on science activities, experiments and projects on topics ranging from acid rain to zoology. The activities are cleverly organized by the amount of time needed in the classroom and by content. A handy chart at the front of the book provides quick access to all activities at a glance for easy planning. The book starts out with a discussion of science, the scientific process, misconceptions about science and how children learn science.
Ten subject areas and 40 topics are addressed in activities that do not require sophisticated tools or materials. Each activity, experiment or project has a background box that provides teachers, parents and students with the information they need to use the activities as they were intended, yet they are also flexible and user-friendly. Each activity is one page long; a handy symbol at the bottom of the page identifies the subject.
Fun facts are scattered throughout this beautifully put together resource book. “Something so simple – and useful – and yet it wasn’t around until 1940. That’s when Canadian Norman Breakey invented the paint roller.”
Science Is . . . activities are written in an engaging way without losing the rigor of effective science instruction. This is a highly recommended sourcebook for anyone interested in learning more about the world around us.
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For more information please contact Center Director Roxanne Hughes at hughes@magnet.fsu.edu or (850) 645-8179.
Classroom Outreach
