Details
| Type of Product: | NSTA Press Book (also see downloadable PDF version of this book) |
| Average Rating: | 
based on 6 reviews |
| Publication Date: | 4/1/2008 |
| Pages: | 188 |
| Stock Number: | PB220X |
| ISBN: | 978-1-933531-21-2 |
| Grade Level: | Elementary School, Middle School |
| Author Blog: | Read Dick Konicek's blog |
Our reviewers—top-flight teachers and other outstanding science educators—have determined that this resource is among the best available supplements for science teaching.
[Read the full review] |
Description
What causes condensation? Does temperature affect how well a balloon will fly? How do tiny bugs get into oatmeal? Through 15 mystery stories, this book memorably illustrates science concepts for students and reinforces the value of learning science through inquiry. Each mystery presents opportunities for students to create questions, form hypotheses, test their ideas, and come up with explanations. Focused on concepts such as periodic motion, thermodynamics, temperature and energy, and sound, these mysteries draw students into the stories by grounding them in experiences students are familiar with, providing them with a foundation for classroom discussion and inquiry.
The story format is used because it is one of the most effective ways to engage students’ attention right from the start. Each chapter includes a list of science concepts explored, targeted strategies for using the stories with children in grades K–4 and with older students in grades 5–8, and a key matching story concepts with corresponding standards in the NSES.
Additional Info
| Intended User Role: | Curriculum Supervisor, Elementary-Level Educator, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher |
| Educational Issues: | Classroom management, Curriculum, Inquiry learning, Instructional materials, Learning theory, Professional development, Teacher content knowledge, Teacher preparation, Teaching strategies |
Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Preface
Introduction: Case Studies on How to Use the Stories in the Classroom
Chapter 1: Theory Behind the Book
Chapter 2: Using the Book and the Stories
Chapter 3: The Link Between Science, Inquiry, and Language Literacy
The Stories and Background Material for Teachers
Matrix for Earth and Space Sciences
Chapter 4: Moon Tricks
Chapter 5: Where Are the Acorns?
Chapter 6: Master Gardener
Chapter 7: Frosty Morning
Chapter 8: The Little Tent That Cried
Matrix for Biological Sciences
Chapter 9: About Me
Chapter 10: Oatmeal Bugs
Chapter 11: Dried Apples
Chapter 12: Seed Bargains
Chapter 13: Trees from Helicopters
Matrix for Physical Sciences
Chapter 14: The Magic Balloon
Chapter 15: Downhill Ride
Chapter 16: Grandfather’s Clock
Chapter 17: The Neighborhood Telephone System
Chapter 18: How Cold is Cold?
Chapter 19: Conclusion
Appendix
Index
This Title Also Available as Part of a Set:
Customer Reviews
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Good book but too juvenile |
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Reviewed by: Kimberly (Decherd, TN) on July 17, 2008 |
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I really like the idea for the book but I teach middle school science and the stories were more for younger students. I know it talks about adapting them for older students, but I was hoping for something else. I do think elementary students would love the stories and mysteries. |
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Science-Reading Connections |
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Reviewed by: Rhonda (Sioux Falls, SD) on July 17, 2008 |
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This book had lots of connections for reading/science. Our accelerated science teachers will be using it to enhance our new curriculum.
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Everyday Science Mysyteries |
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Reviewed by: Heather (Howell, MI) on July 16, 2008 |
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My students love these stories! They have proven to be an exciting and interesting method of introducing new ideas. |
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A very useful tool! |
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Reviewed by: David M (Sioux Center, IA) on July 15, 2008 |
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I found Everyday Science Mysteries to be an enjoyable read. I'll be very likely to use several of the "mysteries" included in the book this coming school year with my 7th grade students. Great tips for using the mysteries are included, and clear explanations of the science behind the story will help novices or teachers who don't see themselves as science experts to use the book effectively. I'd definitely recommend reading! |
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Everyday Science Mysteries: Stories for Inquiry |
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Reviewed by: Katherine B (, ) on July 15, 2008 |
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This book provides stories that can be used as hooks into lesson. For instance if you are teaching about matter expansion and contraction there is a story about how the gas in a balloon will contract making the balloon appear as if it has a leak, only to expand again once it has warmed up. This is a good tool for teaching. The contents are set up well in that the different areas of science are identified. If you are looking for physical science it has them listed in such a format. |
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Storytelling - - A great concept |
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Reviewed by: Robert Gilmore (Milford, MA) on July 15, 2008 |
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Tapping into the innately human interest in storytelling is pure genius. This book is very well organized and relates well with other useful resources (such as the Uncovering Student Ideas in Science series) that are frequently mentioned throughout the text. |
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