Sensemaking in Elementary Science

Book excerpt: Grounded in empirical research, this book offers concrete pathways to redirect attention away from activity-oriented and vocabulary-centered elementary science teaching and towards elementary science teaching that privileges sensemaking. Outlining a clear vision for this shift using empirically-grounded tools, pedagogies and practices to support teacher learning and development, this edited volume reveals how teachers can best engage in teaching that supports meaningful learning and understanding in elementary science classrooms. Divided into three sections, this book demonstrates the skills, knowledge bases and research-driven practices necessary to make a fundamental shift towards a focus on students' ideas and reasoning and covers topics such as: An introduction to sensemaking in elementary science Positioning students at the center of sensemaking Planning and enacting investigation-based science discussions Designing a practice-based elementary teacher education program Reflections on science teacher education and professional development for reform-based elementary science In line with current reform efforts, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Sensemaking in Elementary Science is the perfect addition for graduate students and researchers in science education, elementary education and STEM education, who are looking to explore effective practice, approaches and development within the elementary science classroom.