Uncovering Student Ideas in Science

This work offers a collection of 25 formative assessment probes, in the form of reproducible, one-page handouts, illustrated with b&w drawings, asking students to agree with, disagree with, and expand on easy-to-read vignettes and dialogues related to concepts in physical, life, Earth, and space science. The probes are designed to reveal students' preconceptions and misconceptions about science concepts, and can be used as a starting point for differentiating instruction to meet the content needs of all students. Notes accompanying each probe explain the probe's purpose and give a brief scientific explanation of content underlying the probe, then discuss curricular and instructional considerations. Teacher notes also give detailed information on related ideas in the National Standards, review related research on the science concepts, and list related NSTA publications, SciGuides, SciPacks, Science Objects, and curriculum topic study guides. Keeley and Tugel are both affiliated with the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)