Ann Finkelstein

has done biomedical research at the University of Toronto, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and at Michigan State University. She is currently a freelance writer specializing in popular ...

Science Is Golden
A Problem-Solving Approach to Doing Science with Children

Ann Finkelstein

This book was featured at the YOUNG FOLK BOOKFEST tent, August 8-9, at the MSU Museum's Great Lakes Folk Festival, in East Lansing, Michigan.

The first book of its kind, Science is Golden discusses how to implement an inquiry-based, problem-solving approach to science education (grades K-5). Finkelstein shows parents and teachers how to help students investigate their own scientific questions. Rather than a set of guidelines for science fair projects, this book presents a method for helping students expand their creativity and develop logical thinking while learning science.

Starting with an introduction to the "brains-on method," Science is Golden explains brainstorming, experimental controls, collecting data, and how to streamline children's questions about science so that the questions define an experiment. Students will learn how to: ask good questions; clarify terminology; research, plan, and design experiments and controls; test assumptions; collect and analyze data; present results to others; and collaborate with adults.

Science is Golden is consistent with the National r Science Education Standards proposed by the National Academy of Sciences, and the Michigan Essential Goals and Objectives for Science Education (K-12) from the Michigan State Board of Education.

Reviews

"A one-of-a-kind resource. . .truly worth its weight in gold. Even the science-shy can create experiments that will help children develop and investigate their own scientific questions."

- Bernice Sweeny

Science Lessons Plan Writer, C