KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
I'm sure I'm about to upset some publishing companies, but I've stopped using textbooks and have found it to be better for my students. Over the years I gradually was using textbooks less and less frequently in my lessons. They weren't very engaging to my students. I kept them as reference material. There would be the occasional reading to build background knowledge. That was about it. Now I don't have a single textbook in my room! Instead I rely on primary sources. These are items I've obtained from authentic sources or from places I've visited during my travels such as the ones pictured below. I also use articles from scientific publications, vetted websites, and CK12.org. (Note: I am not affiliated with CK12 and do not get any compensation for endorsing them.)
Student engagement during in class reading increased. The sense of feeling and being a scientist increased. The ability to understand scientific text when doing independent research increased. Textbooks have a purpose and a place. However, they do not afford students an authentic learning experience like these other options do. It takes time to establish such a library, but once you do it will be totally worth it. Depending on the age of your students, they can contribute to building the class library as well. Get them involved. Scientifically yours, Nadene
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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