Hands-On Science Mysteries for Grades 3 - 6 - (Jossey-Bass Teacher) by James Robert Taris & Louis James Taris (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In Hands-On Science Mysteries for Grades 3-6, the authors connect science to real-world situations by investigating actual mysteries and phenomena, such as the strange heads on Easter Island, the ghost ship Mary Celeste, and the "Dancing Stones" of Death Valley. The labs are designed to encourage the development of science inquiry, in which students will observe, take notes, make diagrams, interpret data, and arrive at solutions, and include extensions for further investigation.

From the Back Cover

Hands-On Science Mysteries for Grades 3-6 is an exciting collection of lab-based programs that show students how to examine mysterious phenomena scientifically! Each lab is filled with intriguing mysteries and provocative exercises that will challenge students to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.

In Hands-On Science Mysteries for Grades 3-6, the authors connect science to real-world situations by investigating actual mysteries and phenomena, such as the strange heads on Easter Island, the ghost ship Mary Celeste, and the "Dancing Stones" of Death Valley. The labs are designed to encourage the development of science inquiry, in which students will observe, take notes, make diagrams, interpret data, and arrive at solutions. The labs also include extensions for further investigation.

Static electricity, simple machines, density, optics, combustion, the use of science equipment, states of matter, and heat are just a sampling of the basic science concepts and skills, designed to support the National Science Standards, that students will learn when conducting these fascinating experiments. Most of the labs use common everyday items found in the classroom or at home, which makes Hands-On Science Mysteries for Grades 3-6 accessible for any classroom.

Hands-On Science Mysteries for Grades 3-6 is printed in a lay-flat format, for easy photocopying.

"In this brand new collection, Louis and James Taris have called upon science's most curious mysteries to provide food for critical thinking skills. Hands-On Science Mysteries is just what students and teachers need to connect science to real-world situations by becoming involved in the process of hands-on experimentation."
--Professor C. David Luther, Graduate School of Education, Cambridge College

"As I read through each 'Hands-on Science Mystery, ' I kept thinking that I can't wait to try that! The labs and demos are fun and easy to do, but the real beauty of these lessons is making the connection between the science you have learned and the real-life mystery that you can now solve. What a unique and refreshing approach to understanding science concepts!"
--Barbara Osterfield, Peabody Veterans Memorial High School

Review Quotes

"Labs in this book get students investigating mysterious phenomena such as the Loch Ness monster, the Bermuda Triangle, and more while developing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Your scientists observe, take notes, make diagrams, interpret data, and determine conclusions, all while learning basic science concepts." (Learning Journal, Back-to-School 2007)

About the Author

James Robert Taris and Louis James Taris, Ed.D. are teachers, curriculum developers, and published authors with over 50 years collectively of experience in science education. James is currently a middle school and high school teacher in Massachusetts and Dr. Louis is a former professor of teacher training at Bridgewater State College and a former school superintendent.