Description
Empower Your Students to Search for Truth
In an era of rampant misinformation and growing distrust in science, K–12 educators are on the front lines of a crucial battle. This timely book, written by Rodger W. Bybee—the legendary creator of the 5E Instructional Model—provides a reasonable, achievable, and positive response for the K–12 educational community. It equips classroom teachers and school leaders to combat misconceptions and effectively teach the nature of science, ensuring students become scientifically literate citizens.
This book presents a clear, achievable plan to navigate the challenges of teaching science today. Grounded in decades of research and classroom application, it progresses from the societal problem of anti-science sentiment to a concrete instructional solution that will empower students and engage teachers. Features include
- A clear connection to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), with a focus on the nature of science
- Grade-specific units and lesson plans for K–2, 3–5, middle school, and high school, featuring reproducible worksheets and real-life classroom stories from educators who’ve been in the trenches
- A step-by-step process for implementing the 5E Instructional Model to address science denial and improve your existing instructional units
- Expert guidance on digital literacy, evaluating online claims, and communicating with families who may hold anti-science views
This book provides the helm for science teachers to grasp, offering a clear course to steer through the murky waters of anti-science sentiment. By learning to apply these powerful instructional strategies, educators can meet the challenge of maintaining the integrity of science and empower their students to navigate a complex world with critical thinking and informed skepticism.
Table of Contents
Preface
Organization of This Book
Closing Reflections
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Section I: Is the American Scientific Enterprise Sailing, Drifting, or Sinking?
Chapter 1. Maintaining the Integrity of Science: A Contemporary Crusade
Reflections on the Role of Science in Society
“A Crusade Against Ignorance”
A Crusade to Maintain the Integrity of Science (and Other STEM Disciplines)
Conclusion
Chapter 2. Teaching About the Scientific Enterprise in an Era of Science Denial
A Vision and Plan: Something You Can Do in Your Science Classroom
Background: Understandings About Science
Reintroduction of the 5E Instructional Model
Conclusion
Section II: A Helm for Science Teachers to Grasp
Chapter 3. The 5E Instructional Model: A Reintroduction and a Review of the Model’s Efficacy
A Little Background
The 5E Instructional Model
How Students Learn
Constructivism Emerges
Conclusion
Chapter 4. Using the 5E Instructional Model in Your Classroom: Reflections and Recommendations
How the 5E Instructional Model Works in a Classroom
Classroom Testimony: A Case Study of Uptake of the 5E Instructional Model by Janet Carlson
Conclusion
Chapter 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the 5E Instructional Model
Answering Questions About Using the 5E Instructional Model to Situate the Model Within Your Classroom
Conclusion
Section III: A Course for Teachers to Steer
Chapter 6. Contemporary Science Standards and the Scientific Enterprise
The Need to Teach About the Scientific Enterprise: Current and Past
A Framework for the Nature of Science
Learning Outcomes for the Activities That Appear in the Chapters That Follow
Classroom Testimony: Advancing Students’ Knowledge About the Nature of Science by Peter J. McLaren
Conclusion
Chapter 7. Applying the 5E Instructional Model in Grades K–2
Lesson Plan: Looking for Patterns and Order
Conclusion
Chapter 8. Applying the 5E Instructional Model in Grades 3–5
Lesson Plan: Using Tools for Measurement and Observations
Conclusion
Chapter 9. Applying the 5E Instructional Model: An Example for Middle School
Lesson Plan: The Basis for Scientific Knowledge and Rules for Empirical Evidence, Grades 6–8
Classroom Testimony: Teaching About the Nature of Science: A New Challenge by Kenneth Huff, Heather Kurtz, and Teresa Guadagna
Planning and Carrying Out Instruction
Results
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusion
Chapter 10. Applying the 5E Instructional Model: An Example for High School
Overview of the Unit
The Instructional Perspective
Lesson Plan: Beluga Whales in the St. Lawrence River: What Is the Scientific Question? Were Scientific Investigations Adequate?
Conclusion
Section IV: A Port for Teachers to Seek
Chapter 11. Applying the 5E Instructional Model to Improve and Implement Units of Your Own Curriculum
Basic Principles for Your Unit’s Improvement and Change
Analyzing Your Unit
Conclusion
Chapter 12. Meeting the Challenges of Maintaining the Integrity of Science (and Related Disciplines)
Examples of Maintaining the Integrity of Science
Recap
An Example of Science Teacher Leadership
Conclusion
References
Index
