NSTA - Recommends Products

Diagnosis for Classroom Success: Making Anatomy + Physiology Come Alive, Teacher Edition

6/13/2013

Author: Nicole H. Maller
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: NSTA Press
Pages: 96
Price: $28.95
ISBN: 9781936959525
Grade: 9-12
Reviewer: Adah Stock
Review:

Every so often a classroom curriculum comes along that you want to try out on students because you know it would be a fun learning activity that really relates to student’s lives. The role–playing curriculum approach for this subject is a real draw for maintaining student interest. This curriculum, designed for high school students, can easily fit into a curriculum for anatomy and physiology or into a biology unit about the human body. Students learn about nine human body systems but more importantly they learn how they interact with each other to create a functioning human body.

In this program, small groups work as a team, attend and graduate medical school, sign the Hippocratic Oath, meet patients, run seven diagnostic laboratory tests, diagnose their patients, develop a prognosis, present a report in a PowerPoint, a PSA or a written format, and receive feedback from the evaluators. Students research several diseases while in medical school to "earn their white coats." Groups analyze the medical records (charts) of four imaginary patients, perform labs for urinalysis, analyze digestive by–products, analyze blood smears, do HIV tests, check lung capacity, analyze hormone tests, and do an imaginary, emergency organ harvesting when a fifth patient becomes a donor for other patients.

This volume comes in two parts. Part one is for the teacher. After a brief overview of this book the second chapter links the curriculum to the Framework for K–12 Science Education, the NGSS, as well as Common Core Standards. This is accomplished in Chapter 2 with a neatly presented chart. Chapter 3 is titled "Teacher Prep Made Easy" and provides a complete list in chart form of all materials needed to be purchased before implementing the activities. These materials mostly can be purchased at a grocery store and items are shaded in the chart if they are a one–time purchase. The supply chart identifies vendor, catalog number, cost, number to order, and total cost. This is great for preparing a budget.

Beginning with chapter 4, each section provides a guide for the ten units for this complete program. The first page of each unit starts with an overview broken into three sections: Before You Begin, During the Lesson, and After the Lesson. This is a pacing guide for the educator and follows the format of the book. This is followed by a task overview and then several pages of answer keys for each of the activities. Each chapter ends with a list of references. Part two of this volume is the complete students’ edition with all the handouts.

What is not to like about this volume and the curriculum? It provides students with real–life challenges about real–world problems. Students use high order thinking skills to solve a medical mystery of sorts. All the activities are student–centered and their success depends on their hard work and making connections. Topics within the curriculum are relevant to the students’ lives. The lessons, as the author states, fit into classes that are 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

Preparation for this curriculum is designed to reduce the amount of work an educator has to do. A student workbook can be purchased so a teacher would not have to spend their life at a copier. I highly recommend this book with its original approach to having students understand the workings of the human body.

Including Students With Disabilities In Advanced Science Classes

6/13/2013

Author: Lori A. Howard, Elizabeth A. Potts
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: NSTA Press
Pages: 131
Price: $25.95
ISBN: 9781936959273
Grade: 9-12
Reviewer: Jean Worsley
Review:

Due to increased emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses, more students with disabilities are encouraged to enroll in advanced science classes. This book provides background information, teaching strategies, and classroom management techniques for teachers who have limited or no experience with these students. These areas are covered in eight chapters with in–depth narratives, boxes called “Fostering Student Independence" and “Ideas to Get Started," tables, and figures. A conclusion and references are found at the end of each chapter.

First and foremost, it is suggested that teachers should become familiar with two basic laws: IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Further, the terms and parts of the IEP (Individualized Education Program) need to be thoroughly understood. A description of a broad range of disabilities is provided and keen observation of characteristics of these students is needed in order to ensure success in these classes.

The role of each member of the IEP Team is vividly described and cooperative teaching comes into play. Information related to transition for post–secondary education is also included. It is normal for teachers in advanced science classes to have some anxiety about behavior when teaching students with disabilities. Information in the IEP will help teachers dispel some of their fears. The message is clear—do your homework while recognizing that the IEP is a legal document clearly delineating support and accommodations needed for each student. Further, ideas about handling behavior are listed. For behaviors not covered in the IEP, a request for assistance from members of the team should be made immediately. As teachers embrace students with disabilities, the author states that many of the techniques currently employed by teachers will only be enhanced.

The discussion on instruction in the classroom begins with seven principles of learning proposed by the National Research Council (NRC). This is a two–way street as teachers learn new terminology and adapt teaching techniques to meet these challenges. Instructional methods suggested include inquiry–based approaches, argument construction, and progress monitoring. Additional strategies and accommodations are outlined in tables and figures. The first priority for labs with students with disabilities is safety. Again, the first step the teacher must take is to review the IEP as they skillfully observe and assign students specific responsibilities. Teachers will be able to hone their procedures as they make needed alterations. A safety contract and partnering are recommended. In some cases, additional assistance may be needed. Other suggestions brought to the forefront are for field trips and independent study.

In the future, technology will play a greater role in the teaching/learning process. The authors explain how AT (Assistive Technology) can be utilized. In many instances, students with specific disabilities have exceptional technological skills and insight. Emphasis is placed on the importance of collaboration with the instructional technologist. End of year testing can be stressful for all students and especially for those with disabilities. It is suggested that students practice taking tests beginning early in the school year. Goals of the AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs are listed. In each case, the teacher needs to know accommodations required and the IEP Team needs to be kept abreast of deadlines. A planning outline for the school year is presented. For successful end of year testing, thorough planning is again the key.

The final narrative focuses on methods to recruit students with disabilities and co- teaching. A new paradigm shift is needed as teachers begin to think of “our classroom” instead of “my classroom." The authors firmly believe that students with disabilities in advanced science classes will only improve teaching skills. Also, students without disabilities will learn to respect and accept differences as they strive to reach their full potential. Information about the authors and an index with bold type referring to figures and tables are included. This book is highly recommended not only for teachers with advanced science classes but for all science teachers.

On a Beam of Light

6/13/2013

Author: Jennifer Berne
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Pages: 56
Price: $17.99
ISBN: 9780811872355
Grade: 1-4
Reviewer: Marilyn Cook
Review:

What better way to end a young children's book about Albert Einstein than with the text "Questions that someday you may answer...by wondering, thinking and imagining" and the facing page full of question marks? This captures the underlying theme of this book about Einstein's life—always questioning and thinking about the world around him.

The author begins with Einstein's parents' concern that he wasn't talking at age one, two and very few words at age three. But "...they loved him...no matter what." More of his young life unfolds when his father gives him a compass when he was sick. He is fascinated with the compass needle always pointing north, and as the author writes, Albert wanted to understand such mysteries and more mysteries. Can you imagine yourself riding your bike on a beam of light? Albert did and he continued to question the world around him more and more.

The book continues with the beginning of his theories by his questioning and thinking. The childlike illustrations portray his ideas and also show how, although a genius, he had some normal qualities like us all. Did you know he didn't like to wear socks? Did you know he would walk around sometimes eating an ice–cream cone and always thinking? He played the violin and said that it helped him think better and he had favorite clothes for thinking. The author adds notes about Einstein's "thought experiments", his playfulness and laughter, the famous E=mc squared and the atomic bomb, and Einstein's pacifism.

This was a delightful book and I would use it in my classroom to introduce scientific thinking and inquiry. The publisher lists the target age range as 6–9; however, I would also use it with older students and for students who have learning challenges. Children and even adults would appreciate Einstein even more as a man and not simply an adult scientist with extra ordinary ideas about the universe. I had a friend who lived in Princeton and would talk about seeing Einstein walk around the neighborhood. I have driven by the house that he lived in while there. Einstein left us with many questions and scientists are working on those questions. Books are recommended for further reading as well as the Einstein archives web site.

Favorite Experiments for Physics and Physical Science

6/13/2013

Author: John D. Mays
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Novare Science and Math
Pages: 269
Price: $55.00
ISBN: 9780988322806
Grade: 12
Reviewer: Thomas Brown
Review:

This is a new book that allows physics and physical science teachers to create challenging laboratories and demonstrations to use in their classrooms. The book presents a variety of experiments covering topics from dynamics to electricity to calorimetry to solubility. The author also includes a section that outlines a variety of demonstrations that could be incorporated into the classroom to supplement the experiments and improve student understanding.

One of the strengths of the book is the author’s attention to detail. Each experiment discusses the learning objectives, materials required, student instructions, and more. Numerous pictures are inserted throughout the text to help show a teacher how to set up the experiment. While these activities are challenging and may require an investment in some materials, the end result in student involvement and understanding of important science concepts would be worthwhile.

The book could be used by any teacher, experienced or novice. Each experiment is very meticulously explained. The author’s experience as a classroom teacher clearly comes through in the detail that he provides. It is clear that he has refined these experiments during his career as a science teacher. The author is very methodical and provides very detailed experiment protocols as well as alternative experimental methods. One of the strengths of the book is that the different experiments could be used together or independently.

Simply put, this book could be a superb resource for any physics or physical science teacher who wishes to develop challenging experiments for their students. The experiments that are discussed in the book will provide a solid foundation for teaching core concepts in any physics classroom. The many demonstrations provide terrific opportunities for expanding on those experiments. This carefully–written book would help physics and physical science teachers in a variety of ways. Their students would be challenged and would also end up being motivated by the different experiments that they complete.

Big Bang Science Experiments: Bright Ideas: The Science of Light

6/6/2013

Author: Jay Hawkins
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Windmill Books
Pages: 32
Price: $26.50
ISBN: 9781477703205
Grade: 4-5
Reviewer: Ruth Ruud
Review:

With the increased emphasis on physical science in NGSS, elementary teachers are looking to expand their repertoire of experiences in this content area that are related to the standards and easy to implement. This book contains ten experiments using common subjects to which children can relate such as kaleidoscope, hall of mirrors, and pinhole camera.

The author includes materials needed, age–appropriate, step–by–step directions, photographs, and a conclusion of how the experiment worked. There is also a glossary section and section listing other resources on light. This book could be included in classroom and school libraries for use with science fair projects.

Big Bang Science Experiments: Push and Pull: The Science of Forces

6/6/2013

Author: Jay Hawkins
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Windmill Books
Pages: 32
Price: $26.50
ISBN: 9781477703243
Grade: 4-5
Reviewer: Ruth Ruud
Review:

The author includes ten experiments that will motivate children to learn about concepts in physical science while they explore. With the increased emphasis on elementary physical science in the Next Generation Science Standards, this book will be a welcome addition to a teacher's repertoire.

The experiments include parachute jump, rubber band racers, and sled vs go–kart. The materials for each experiment are easily obtained. Each experiment has age–appropriate step-by-step directions using photographs, and a conclusion explaining how the experiment worked. There is a glossary and a section listing other resources. This book would be great in classroom and school libraries as a reference for science fair projects.

What Is a Food Web?: Grassland Food Webs in Action

6/6/2013

Author: Paul Fleisher
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Lerner Publications Co.
Pages: 40
Price: $27.93
ISBN: 9781467712934
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Eloise Farmer
Review:

This 40–page book is part of a series on food webs intended for primary grades, focusing on grasslands. Readers learn that the location and evolution of grasslands are due to precipitation. Other factors, such as fires, are not emphasized.

The book has a prairie food web from an American prairie pictured at the beginning with an introduction naming the world’s grasslands as steppes, savannahs, or prairies. Veldts and pampas are not mentioned. The text is divided into short chapters: Plants, Plant Eaters, Meat Eaters, and Decomposers.

Many vivid pictures of organisms are found throughout the book, mostly animals and plants from prairie and savannah. In the chapter on decomposers, there is a greatly enlarged photo of soil bacteria but the caption does not describe the magnification. The final chapter discusses the relationship between people and grasslands, again focusing on the US prairie, with pictures of cattle and farmland. The benefits humans receive from the these uses, the damage they can do, as well as the importance of their protection are explained and could lead to a rich discussion.

A glossary and reference section, as well as an index, complete the book. The reading level of this book would be appropriate for grades K–3, and with adult guidance would be useful as an introduction to the world of grasslands.

What Is a Food Web?: Forest Food Webs in Action

5/30/2013

Author: Paul Fleisher
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Lerner Publications Co.
Pages: 40
Price: $27.93
ISBN: 9781467712545
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Eloise Farmer
Review:

This 40–page book in the series Food Webs introduces students in the primary grades to forest ecosystems. It focuses almost entirely on the deciduous forests of the United States and nearly all of the organisms featured are primarily native to the United States. Only children living in that region would find and recognize the familiar plants and animals in their own surroundings (although the moose and Swainson's Thrush may be from the northern limits of the deciduous forest biome.)

Short chapters describe plants, plant eaters, meat eaters, and decomposers. A final chapter discusses the relationship between people and forests. This is followed by a glossary and a reference section, as well as an index. One photograph in the plant section is of a giant mushroom, which might be misleading since a fungus is not a plant. Another describes an isopod as an insect.

The reading level is appropriate for grades K–3. The book provides a foundation for content that is recommended for that grade level. The book would be useful if the teacher or mentor clarifies that this is just one kind of forest.

What Is a Food Web?: Desert Food Webs in Action

5/30/2013

Author: Paul Fleisher
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Lerner Publications Co.
Pages: 40
Price: $27.93
ISBN: 9781467712941
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Eloise Farmer
Review:

This 40–page book in the series Food Webs introduces students in the primary grades to desert ecosystems. A map in the book shows all the deserts in the world, although the organisms featured are primarily native to the United States.

Although the introductory section states that many deserts are different, the differences are not explained. The different niches of producers, consumers, and decomposers in different deserts aren't emphasized. The formation of deserts is associated only with lack of water; other geographic factors aren't explained.

The book focuses on deserts of the western United States. Short chapters describe plants, plant eaters, meat eaters, and decomposers. A final chapter discusses the relationship between people and deserts. This is followed by a glossary and a reference section, as well as an index.

All of the photographs of organisms are consistent with those that would be found in the deserts of the United States except one photo of a meerkat and one of a camel carcass. Although the captions make it clear that these are African animals, children might confuse them with those in American deserts.

The reading level is appropriate for grades K–3. The book provides a foundation for content that is recommended for that grade level.

Explorers: Robots

5/30/2013

Author: Chris Oxlade
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Kingfisher Books
Pages: 32
Price: $10.99
ISBN: 9780753468166
Grade: 2-5
Reviewer: Teri Cosentino
Review:

Robots that explore, clean, work, operate, play, and communicate are the featured stars of this book. Through pictures, drawings, and captions the diverse jobs that robots do are depicted. It is a fun book, great for both the techno–kid who wants a robot as a companion or for the curious one who wonders what a robot is.

It is really quite amazing the ways robots help humans. They go places where it is too dangerous for people to go, manufacture cars and other products. Robots even rescue people and carry them to a safe location.

Four colored buttons found on the pages direct the reader to look for innovations for the future in science, history or technology. These present new ideas to the reader.

There are different ways to use this book. It is beautifully illustrated and a pleasure to simply read for enjoyment, or to use for research at the elementary school level. Recommending the book to a student who loves computers or Legos will broaden their knowledge base and help them understand that technology continues to move forward in intriguing ways.

Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries

5/30/2013

Author: Jennifer Keats Curtis
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
Price: $17.95
ISBN: 9781607186113
Grade: K-3
Reviewer: Donald Logsdon Jr.
Review:

As rational, intelligent beings, we should feel a sense of responsibility towards animals. We want to prevent abuse and rescue animal pets that have been abandoned. This book, part of a series on Animal Helpers, describes some of the sanctuaries, rescue zoos, and care farms that have been set up by dedicated individuals to meet this need.

The author states the purpose: “This photographic journal takes readers behind the scenes of five nonprofit sanctuaries and rescue zoos and one care farm that have opened their doors and their hearts to desperate animals in need.” The book consists of large, colored photographs of animals and their rescuers at a number of rescue sites. The focus is on exotic pets ranging from tigers to bears to a large pig.

The book includes a quiz for creative minds, a section called "Behind the Scenes" and another called "Animal Enrichment." The text is clear and understandable for young readers. It makes a strong case for the idea that having “exotic” pets is bad and leads to numerous problems for the owners, the animals, and society. The book also makes a plea for volunteers to help care for the rescued animals.

The Epigenetics Revolution: How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance

5/30/2013

Author: Nessa Carey
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Pages: 339
Price: $26.95
ISBN: 9780231161169
Grade: College
Reviewer: Rita Hoots
Review:

The science of heredity has taken a new paradigm shift modifying the central dogma with current revelations of the epigenetic orchestration of the genetic blueprint. In this fascinating book the author chronicles the modifying effects that chemical and environmental triggers can have on DNA and its genetic expression. Written in an engaging manner using everyday metaphors to clarify complex concepts and utilizing well–defined diagrams, the author has produced an outstanding book with her wit and expertise.

The narrative introduces the reader to the fascinating impact of external influences governing the operation of the hereditary substance. The reader is carried in the global experimental laboratories as recent research is reported. In sixteen chapters, subjects such as DNA methylation and histone modification are chronicled as well as topics relating to imprinting, gene inactivation, and how the DNA is modified along the route from pluripotent stem cell to its differentiation into its specialized role. Understanding of the role of these external influences may allow the production of drugs to offset the consequences of genetic anomalies or even the problems of aging.

Know Soil, Know Life

5/30/2013

Author: David L. Lindbo, Deb A. Kozlowski, Clay Robinson
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Soil Science Society of America
Pages: 206
Price: $40.00
ISBN: 9780891189541
Grade: K-College
Reviewer: Lois Spangler
Review:

Are you looking for a soil science text that explains the relationships between soil and food, clothing, shelter, and water? If so, then this book is for you. This 206–page volume presents readers with a logical introduction to soil science topics, including physical properties of soil, soil biology, chemistry, and soil classification. The text is valuable for teachers who create interdisciplinary lessons in health, art, chemistry, and history.

Chapter one challenges the reader with the question: "What is soil?" The authors provide a comparison between inert dirt and soil. In Chapter 4, Chemical Properties of Soil: Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management, readers learn about soil properties and how they affect nutrient supply to plants. In Chapter 8, "Soil and Society," readers learn about the impact of soil on warfare and art. Authors provide information about soil’s role in the collapse of past civilizations and historical events such as Easter Island, Vietnam, and World War I, as well as modern day concerns with desertification and deforestation.

The book concludes by presenting invaluable information about soil science careers. Although targeted for high school through college students, I highly recommend it for elementary and middle school educators as well as gifted and talented students. The content is engaging and easily understood with full–color photos, maps, and illustrations. A glossary is found at the end of each chapter along with additional reading lists. Educators will find this volume an almost complete book about soil! Although the volume does not have an index, it is an excellent resource with a wide variety of soil information conveniently found in one volume!