Science for Teachers and Librarians
2007 Imprints
Please feel free to add a signed review at the top of this list.
- Using their brains in science : ideas for children aged 5 to 14 by Hellen Ward (Corwin Press, 2007, ISBN: 9781412946636)
While this book covers deep thinking and creativeity, it does not entertain the idea that research in the world of information would be a part of science teaching. Therefore, teacher librarians wil not beneifit from this treatise.
- Inquire Within: Implementing Inquiry-Based Science Standards in Grades 3-8. 2nd ed. By Douglas Llewellyn. Corwin Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-1-4129-3756. One of the first considerations by librarians to build collaborative experiences is the teaching approach used by the classroom teacher. The best partnerships can be built when the classroom teacher uses the inquiry approach to teaching rather than traditional textbook/lecture methods. Llewellyn provides a full manual of explanation of what inquiry is in science in an attempt to match the teaching and learning method with the actual framework upon which science is based. Is there any other way to teach science and expect students to become scientists? Sadly, our author never mentions the library or the use of major information-rich resources as a boon and foundation to his methodology. So, if you, the librarian, want to assist a science teacher in moving toward inquiry, don’t expect this book to have you included as an asset for any teacher – you will have to supply that major idea yourself. We are still looking for an author who understands the opening of the classroom door to specialists other than themselves. – David Leortscher
- More Picture-Perfect Science Lessons Using Children's Books to Guide Inquiry, K-4. Karen Ansberry and Emily Morgan. NSTA Press, 2007. Using trade books to promote inquiry is a great idea and our authors here provide excellent activities to investigate things kids are interested in such as bubbles and many other common thin gs. The ideas fit into national science standards for the early grades and the directions are very easy to follow and patterns, if needed, are reproducibles. The emphasis is around one or two specific books. We wish these authors would create the same kind of activities with a variety of science books from the library and with the collaboration of the librarian. But, as is, the activities are worth trying and make science worth both the child and teacher's time. Recommended. David Loertscher, April 2007.
- The Natural World Through Children’s Literature: An Integrated Approach. Carol M. Butzow and John W. Butzow. Libraries Unlimited, 2007. The Butzows are experts at using literature to teach science, social studies, math, information literacy, and art. In their latest book, they take a group of nonfiction books and for each provide lesson plans. This approach was popular in the 90’s but has been replaced with a more standards-based curriculum. As this reviewer reads the activities, it seems a simple matter to use the litrature approach to accomplish the other method. With more and better nonfiction material, its time to reconsider incorporating some of the ideas here. Worth a fresh look. - David Loertscher, Jan. 1, 2007
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