ERIC Number: EJ849717
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-185X
EISSN: N/A
Using Socioscientific Issues in Primary Classrooms
Dolan, Thomas J.; Nichols, Bryan H.; Zeidler, Dana L.
Journal of Elementary Science Education, v21 n3 p1-12 Sum 2009
In this article, we provide three examples of the use of socioscientific issues (SSI) in a 5th-grade classroom. Taken from Earth science (beach sand replacement), life science (the Canadian seal hunt), and physical science (speed limits), the examples show how teachers can embed scientific content in controversial social issues that engage younger students in constructive sociomoral discourse. Each example includes a preliminary learning activity as well as a description of the SSI scenario and its results. The potential of SSI to inspire preservice elementary science methods students to teach more science and create their own modules is also discussed. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Elementary School Science, Controversial Issues (Course Content), Classroom Techniques, Educational Practices, Grade 5, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Learning Activities, Teaching Methods, Earth Science, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Demonstrations (Educational)
Western Illinois University. Document and Publications Services, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390. Tel: 309-298-1917; Fax: 309-298-2869; e-mail: DPS@wiu.edu; Web site: http://www.wiu.edu/users/jese/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 5
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

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