Required testing in Math and Reading has led to a Nationwide decrease in attention to other subjects, including science.  This is especially true at the elementary level.  Starting last year, NCLB required states to begin testing…but the results are not part of “Annual Yearly Progress” determination. A recent article in the Washington Post had this to say about the “new” science tests.

At least six states, including Maryland, released their first science scores this fall. The first science scores from D.C. schools will be released later this year.

Overall results from the new tests “are not very good,” said Francis Q. Eberle, executive director of the National Science Teachers Association in Arlington. “As a matter of fact, they’re pretty dismal. And it really shouldn’t surprise anybody,” he said, because science as a topic “has really gone off the instructional radar.”

In New Hampshire and Rhode Island, according to news reports, three-quarters of students failed the first science exams.

However, since the tests do not “count,” schools are still incentivized to continue focus on math and reading at the expense of science.  In fact, the article states that the only reason that emphasis on science may increase is because schools (and states) might be embarrassed by low test scores.  This comes at a time when nearly everyone realizes that students will need to be scientifically literate in order participate fully in the opportunities that today’s (and tomorrow’s) society provides. Hopefully, educational policy will catch up to reality soon… while we are waiting for that, educators need stand up and provide kids with authentic and meaningful science experiences.

Here are some great resources for good science teaching:

All Grade Levels:

Science Formative Assessment This book is simply a “must have.” It is the best science teaching book that I have bought in many years.  The first few chapters of the book describe the importance of using formative assessment and describe a constructivist-based teaching model that incorporates formative assessment.  The bulk of the book includes 75 excellent formative assessment techniques.

Preschool:

A Head Start on Science This book contains nearly 90 excellent activities grouped into seven categories: the five senses, weather, physical science, critters, water and water mixture, seeds, and nature walks.

Peep and the Big Wide Wold This isn’t a book, but I can’t resist!  This great cartoon is funded by the National Science Foundation and integrates many age appropriate science concepts.  The website provides online games, video clips, and tons of science activities appropriate for young children.  You can’t go wrong building a preschool science curriculum around these videos and activities! (Free)

Elementary:

Readings in Science Methods, K-8 This book (edited by me) is a compilation of nearly 70 excellent  articles from NSTA’s Science and Children and Science Scope magazines. Articles provide practical tips, suggestions, and activities for teaching elementary and middle level science.

Picture Perfect Science & More Picture Perfect Science These two books provide excellent inquiry-based lessons on a variety of elementary science topics.  Each lesson is connected to at least one children’s book.

Everyday Science Mysteries This book contains a series of mystery stories that can be used to introduce science concepts to students.  Each story is accompanied by a teacher section that provides background information and instructional ideas.

Secondary:

Science as Inquiry in the Secondary Setting This book consists of multiple chapters written by experts.  The introductory chapter describes a sophisticated framework for authentic science inquiry in the classroom.  Other chapters describe inquiry in physics, chemistry, and life / environmental science.  This book is a “must read” for all secondary science teachers. It can be downloaded for free.

Technology in the Secondary Science Classroom This book consists of multiple chapters written by experts.  Each chapter provides theory and practical examples of how to use technology to support science learning in the classroom.  The book can be downloaded for free.