Elementary Science Methods

As teachers and parents, we often hear that children are the best scientists. Great science teachers tune in to children's interests and observations to create engaging and effective lessons. This focus on the innate curiosity of children, or humans overall is celebrated and used to justify and support efforts around STEM teaching and learning. Yet, when we discuss elementary school teachers, we often hear many inside and outside the classroom report that these teachers dislike, fear, and feel uncomfortable with science. This is exactly the opposite approach from what is universally recommended by science education scholars.
This textbook is designed to meet the needs of future elementary teachers preparing to teach science using an assets-based approach to science teaching and tools for advocating for scientific teaching and learning with respect to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).The target audience for this book is preservice elementary and special education teachers at the undergraduate or graduate level. The book might also be used as a supplemental material in professional development efforts for practicing teachers.