The Discovering Science through Inquiry series provides teachers and students of grades 3-8 with direction for hands-on science exploration around particular science topics and focuses. The series follows the 5E model (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate). The Rocks and Minerals kit provides a complete inquiry model for the exploration of rocks and minerals through supported investigation. Engage students in meaningful activities such as creating flavored toothpaste with household materials and judging the results to name the best-tasting product.
Rocks and Minerals kit includes:
Provide teachers with an engaging and interesting way to present science concepts to students that follow the 5E model of instruction. In addition to providing students rich, scientific experiences, teachers are provided with background and additional information about each topic covered within the kit so that they can provide accurate content-related instruction to students. Each kit focuses on a specific scientific concept and provides 16 lessons that support the instruction of that concept.
Following the 5E model of instruction - engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate - the Inquiry Handbook guides students through the exploration of scientific concepts to help them achieve success. This handbook features background information for each topic, hands-on activities and experiments, and science journal pages. Graphic organizers and vocabulary-development activities help students better understand the scientific concepts - important for English language learners and below-level students.
Scientific Inquiry Cards are provided to encourage students to delve into the topic and build on the concepts they have learned, making connections to other related concepts and new situations. These colorful Inquiry Cards provide students with rich extension opportunities, including writing activities, leveled questions, and scientific research activities.
Teachers receive step-by-step procedures for using the cards with students, as well as inquiry discussion questions, and a differentiation section with suggestions for using leveled questions.
Digital resources include:
Each kit includes 8 video clips to aid in the introduction of challenging science concepts and encourage discussion.