Science as Thinking: The Constants and Variables of Inquiry Teaching, Grades 5-10

"You are about to immerse yourself in a gorgeously readable and engaging account of how teachers can move science instruction from "hands on to minds on." Wendy Ward Hoffer describes how teachers can extrapolate what is known about good thinking strategies instruction to science teaching and learning. Hoffer illuminates the path for thousands of teachers (in science and beyond) who today work with those who will lead this country's efforts in energy, health care, the exploration of sea and space, and the protection of our planet. What work is more vital to our future?" - Ellin Oliver Keene Coauthor of "Mosaic of Thought," Second Edition "This book by an experienced teacher takes professional development to a new level. Many authors of books designed to improve education try to integrate best research with best practice. Few succeed as well as Wendy Hoffer." - J. Myron Atkin Stanford University Inquiry is how we learn about the world. Every day we ask questions, gather evidence, make observations, and draw conclusions. "Science as Thinking "shows how powerful instruction can connect the natural curiosity students bring to class to the science curriculum. Wendy Ward Hoffer uses the fundamental scientific principles of constants and variables as a framework for highly effective science teaching. She begins with "constants," the basics of science instruction: Inquiry, Big Ideas, Workshop, Assessment, Culture. Hoffer shows how building a teaching foundation on these constants ensures that all of your planning, lessons, and interactions spark students' interests and support deep thinking about science. Hoffer's "variables" are the practices you select from every day - labs, demonstrations, lectures, projects, and other classroom staples. She illustrates how these variables can be carefully manipulated to maximize student engagement, thinking, and understanding. "Science as Thinking "is a wonderful resource for new teachers, but it will just as soon be sticky-noted and dog-eared by veterans. It helps you: get started and sustain progress with classroom-tested strategies for implementing, teaching, and refining high-quality instruction make direct connections between theory and practice through planning questions conduct meaningful assessment with sample rubrics. If you're as serious about improving students' learning as they are curious about their world, then read "Science as Thinking." In it you'll find highly effective and satisfying ways to teach science and turn any science curriculum into the turning point of a young scientist's life.

Wendy Ward Hoffer is the author of the new Cultivating STEM Identities, as well as Minds on Mathematics and Science as Thinking, all published by Heinemann. She is also the author of Developing Literate Mathematicians. Wendy serves as Senior Director of Education for the Denver-based Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC), and travels nationally to provide professional learning to math and science teachers at all levels. She is passionate about promoting rich thinking in all content areas, especially math and science. Wendy received an MA in Science Education from Stanford University and earned National Board Certification while teaching middle school math and science. Follow her on Twitter @wendywardhoffer. Read a recent blog by Wendy about approaching curriculum as a smorgasbord.