Hard-to-Teach Science Concepts: A Framework to Support 3rd-5th Grade Learners

Susan Koba · Carol T. Mitchell

Jan. 2011 · NSTA Press

Über dieses E-Book

Authors Susan Koba and Carol Mitchell introduce teachers of grades 3- 5 to their conceptual framework for successful instruction of hard-to-teach science concepts. Their methodology comprises four steps: (1) engage students about their preconceptions and address their thinking; (2) target lessons to be learned; (3) determine appropriate strategies; and (4) use Standards-based teaching that builds on student understandings. The authors not only explain how to use their framework but also provide a variety of tools and examples of its application on four hard-to-teach foundational concepts: the flow of energy and matter in ecosystems, force and motion, matter and its transformation, and Earth' s shape. Both preservice and inservice elementary school teachers will find this approach appealing, and the authors' engaging writing style and user-friendly tables help educators adapt the method with ease.

Autoren-Profil

Susan Koba, a science education consultant, works primarily with the National ScienceTeachers Association (NSTA) on its professional development website, The NSTALearning Center. She retired from the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) after 30 years, havingtaught on the middle and high school levels for more than 20 years and then havingserved as a curriculum specialist and district mentor. Koba ended her service toOPS as project director and professional development coordinator for the OPS UrbanSystemic Program serving 60 schools.Koba has been named an Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding BiologyTeacher for Nebraska, Tandy Technology Scholar, and Access Excellence Fellow. Sheis also a recipient of a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship and a Presidential Award for Excellencein Mathematics and Science Teaching. She received her BS degree in biologyfrom Doane College, an MA in biology from the University of Nebraska- Omaha, anda PhD in science education from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.Koba has published and presented on many topics, including school and teacherchange, effective science instruction, equity in science, inquiry, and action research.She has developed curriculum at the local, state, and national levels and served as curriculumspecialist for a U.S. Department of Energy Technology Innovation ChallengeGrant. A past director of coordination and supervision on the NSTA Board and a pastpresident of her state NSTA chapter, she currently serves NSTA on the Budget andFinance Committee. Other past NSTA work includes serving as the chairperson of theProfessional Development Task Force, scope author for the NGSS SciPack currently indevelopment, and the conference chairperson for the 2006 Area Conference in Omaha.She is also a past president of the National Science Education Leadership Association(NSELA) and served as NSELA' s Interim Executive Director.