Science Resources
Best Practices for Gifted Learners in a Science Classroom
(From the book Best Practices in Gifted Education by Ann Robinson, Bruce M. Shore and Donna L. Enerson)
- Give students opportunities to think like scientists and time to explore.
- Science classrooms MUST have real-world connections.
- Teacher centered classrooms with lecture and demonstration rather than having students actually practice science is not appropriate instruction for gifted students.
- Instruction is guided in small groups and independent activities.
- In-depth study in units
- Hands-on learning experiences rather than lecture and memorization of terminology is appropriate for gifted learners.
- Reading should be advanced appropriately for high-ability learners
- Independent and small-group learning
Four Components For A Science Curriculum For Gifted Learners
- Problem Finding - Students learn to find problems worthy of study rather than being assigned set problems.
- Problem Solving - This includes identifying a problem, selecting a process to solve the problem, monitoring the solution, responding to feedback and implementing an action plan.
- Problem Reevaluation - This requires analyzing the outcomes that may be expected or unintended.
- Reporting - This is a very important step because it clarifies thinking and is an integral part of the scientific progress.
Websites
- http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=113631
(The above site was compiled by the Alabama Department of Education's Gifted Coordinator.)
- http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/eric/e546.html
- http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/science.htm
- http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/natural_science.htm
- http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/physics.htm
- http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/space.htm
Books
- Taskmasters! Performance Tasks for High Ability Middle School Students - Science By Carolyn Stamm (This book is recommended by the Alabama Department of Education Gifted Coordinator)
- Rigor and Engagement for Growing Minds - Strategies that Enable High-Ability Learners to Flourish in All Classrooms By Bertie Kingore (I have heard her speak and all her ideas are fabulous!)
- Differentiating Instructions With Menus-Science Grades 6-8 By Laurie E. Westphal