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Earth Science Puzzles
by Kim Kastens and Margie Turrin
Price at time of review: $25.95
186 pp.
NSTA Press
Arlington, VA
2010
ISBN: 9781935155157
Grade Level: 8-12
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Reviewed by Thomas Brown
Science Teacher
This terrific paperback guides teachers in developing students’ analytical skills. It presents six different activities related to fundamental Earth science processes, such as earthquakes and weather, that can be used to teach students how to go beyond simply locating a data point on a graph to finding patterns in data and analyzing the meanings of those patterns. The authors provide all the tools that teachers need to use these activities in their classrooms.
The book’s structure is designed to allow both experienced and novice teachers to make the most of these exercises. Each “puzzle” begins with student pages that require students to examine various types of data, from graphs and tables to images and maps. The authors then provide a detailed teacher segment called the “Pedagogical Content Knowledge Guide.” This section not only provides an answer key for the student section but also walks the teacher through the entire puzzle. Possible pre- and post-activities are provided, as is a list of all needed materials. Activities challenge students in an interesting manner using authentic data that focus on essential concepts studied in an Earth science class. The authors also review the process skills that will be developed by completion of the activity.
Each puzzle is designed to be used in one or two class periods, allowing a teacher to easily incorporate it into the appropriate unit. Finally, the authors provide references at the end of each puzzle to help teachers extend the activities. This book is an outstanding resource for Earth science teachers looking for opportunities to help students improve their science process skills while exposing them to real-world scientific situations that can be addressed using data.
Review posted on 4/7/2011
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