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Taking Inventory


By: Olga Amaral, Leslie Garrison, and Mercedes Duron-Flores
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Details

Type of Product:Journal Article
Average Rating:
 based on 3 reviews
Publication Title:Science and Children
Publication Date:1/1/2006
Pages:4
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School


Description

A science kit inventory introduces students to tools and vocabulary, paving the way for successful science experiences. While it is an effective strategy for all students, it is especially useful for English Learners. This article describes how kit inventories are conducted and what role each step plays in both conceptual development and the internalization of academic vocabulary.


Ideas For Use

Inventory allows teachers to frequently and quickly assess students' understanding of the language of the unit by asking questions about each item, especially if they use a random system of calling on students. Inventories also provide English learners with the tools to access the science concepts of the lesson. Teaching scientific vocabulary in conjunction with content instruction provides teachers with some strategies to lead English learners to greater academic success.

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Asking questions
Communicating
Modeling
Intended User Role:Elementary-Level Educator, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:Achievement, Assessment of students, Classroom management, Inquiry learning, Instructional materials, Student populations: English as a second language (ESL), Teaching strategies

Technical

Resource Format:application/pdf
Size:177 KB
Requirements:Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader


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National Standards Correlation

This resource has 3 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 3 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Teaching Standards
    • Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students.
      • Select science content and adapt and design curricula to meet the interests, knowledge, understanding, abilities, and experiences of students.
    • Teachers of science guide and facilitate learning. In doing this, teachers
      • Encourage and model the skills of scientific inquiry, as well as the curiosity, openness to new ideas and data, and skepticism that characterize science.
    • Teachers provide students with the time, space, and resources needed to learn science.
      • Create a setting for student work that is flexible and supportive of science inquiry.


Customer Reviews
A Different Approach that Address All Learners
  Reviewed by: Adah (San Antonio, TX) on September 21, 2012
  This article describes a unique way to engage students in learning. The teacher creates an inventory of tools for a specific topic. The teacher then introduces each tool, one at a time, and asks students what the tool is and what it can be used for. A sample of an Earth science inventory took kit materials and relevant questions related to these items are provided in this article. Doing this when starting a unit reveals prior knowledge and generates vocabulary for all students at the same time. This provides ELL with the knowledge of the tools to learn a new concept.

Taking the Science Inventory
  Reviewed by: Kathy Renfrew (Barnet, VT) on April 21, 2011
  Taking Inventory was written to assist teachers of English Language learners. BUT the best part of the content of the article ....it is good for ALL students. Taking Inventory provides an opportunity for ALL students to reveal their prior knowledge they might have about a science topic. Doing the inventory sets the stage for prediiction. Messing around with the language can even provoke students' questions. Enjoy.

How can Hand-on science Teach long-lasting Unders
  Reviewed by: Terrell (Montgomery, AL) on March 12, 2008
  N/A

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