Elementary Science Education

Elementary Science Education: Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding, Vol. II, grades 3-5, 2nd ed. Science Lesson Plans That Develop Understanding of Scientific Ideas and Concepts in Clear Steps. Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding (BFSU) is a complete K-8 science curriculum in three volumes. This Elementary Science, BFSU is Volume II for grades 3-5. The BFSU science curriculum addresses all the major areas of science: nature of matter (chemistry); life sciences; physical science and technology; and Earth and space science. Lesson plans in each area provide for systematic, step-by-step learning (a learning progression) that leads to a comprehension of basic ideas and concepts fundamental to each area of science. In addition to providing rigorous learning progressions, BFSU guides teachers and homeschoolers in using teaching techniques that have been proven to be most effective in developing students' proficiency in exercising the practices of science. Key among these are: making observations, asking questions and exercising logical reasoning in deriving answers to those questions. Within each lesson, teachers/homeschoolers will find "signposts" that direct them in bringing students to exercise these and other practices that are crucial, not only to science, but to every other profession and countless aspects of everyday life as well. Students completing the BFSU curriculum will have the knowledge and skills prerequisite for any high school AP science course plus the understanding necessary to contribute positively toward implementing solutions to problems of the day. The Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding volumes are only part of the package. For no additional charge, the author provides an online support/help service. Go to BFSUcommunity.com, sign in, and you will have easy access to photographs, diagrams, videos, and other aids that will enhance your presentation and aid your children's learning of each lesson. There is also space to ask questions, state problems, or make other comments. As the author, I will be on hand to help, so far as I am able, and every group member is encouraged to share her/his experience and expertise. The site is to remain free of advertising. It is hoped that you and your kids will become participating members of a flourishing, supportive, science learning community-BFSUcommunity.com. In total, BFSU provides teachers and homeschoolers with the "what to teach," the "how to teach it," and ongoing support needed to give children a solid foundation of knowledge, understanding, and practices covering and integrating all the major areas of science. If there are requirements for preparing students for NGSS (K-5), teachers will find that BFSU will serve admirably. The author lives with his wife in Catonsville, MD and may be reached at bnebel@erols.com