Teaching K-5 Science - by Coral Zayas (Paperback)

About the Book

Teaching K-5 Science empowers teachers, especially those new to the field, with tools, strategies, and knowledge to improve their practice. It offers strategies for engaging diverse learners and explores ways of connecting the science curriculum to students' daily lives. This book also appeals to administrators looking for resources to support teachers' professional development, emphasize STEAM pathways, and incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into classrooms. With research-based strategies that emphasize the "5 Es" of science instruction--engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate--Teaching K-5 Science provides sound guidance for educators in today's evolving classrooms.

Book Synopsis

A practical guide for new and experienced science teachers.

Teaching K-5 Science: Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry, and Problem-Solving empowers you with the tools, strategies, and knowledge you need to create dynamic, inclusive science lessons. This comprehensive, research-based resource shows you how to improve your practice with confident teaching and techniques that spark students' curiosity. You'll learn how to connect the science curriculum to students' daily lives, making concepts relatable through interactive, collaborative lessons.

With strategies that emphasize the "5 Es" of science instruction--engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate--this book provides step-by-step guidance for helping learners develop essential inquiry and problem-solving skills. You'll learn to create cross-disciplinary connections, incorporate STEAM education, and design inclusive lessons that meet the needs of all learners. You'll also find sample lessons, helpful resources, ready-to-use activities, and other tools for making science an inspiring part of every student's day.

• Gain the skills and confidence you need to engage K-5 learners in science lessons
• Get ready-to-use sample lessons and anytime techniques that bring science to life
• Discover methods for including learners who are neurodivergent, multilingual, or receiving special education services
• Make cross-disciplinary connections with project-based, problem-based, and place-based learning frameworks

Covering life, physical, Earth, and space sciences, this professional development resource emphasizes STEAM pathways and aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Transform your science classroom into a hub of innovation, curiosity, and critical thinking, with Teaching K-5 Science.

Review Quotes

"Teaching K-5 Science?celebrates the wonder and possibility of science in the elementary classroom. Coral Zayas masterfully blends practical strategies with a deep belief in every child's potential to explore, question, and discover. As an educator who has always loved STEM, I found this book a powerful reminder that we, as teachers, have the incredible opportunity to show students they can change the world--one curious question at a time."--Karisa Schwanekamp, K-12 educator and MagicSchool AI Solutions Architect

"Coral Zayas has written the kind of book that meets teachers exactly where they are and walks with them toward where they want to be. Her work is practical, uplifting, and deeply respectful of the real magic that happens in K to 5 classrooms."--Alfonso Mendoza, Ed.D., Founder and Host of MyEdTech Life Podcast

"Our world needs more young minds from all backgrounds to develop solutions for a sustainable world. This incredible new book empowers elementary teachers with a rich set of specific insights and practical resources to keep all learners excited to use STEAM to solve problems?that matter. Education preparation program leaders will find this well-researched, comprehensive guide fills a critical need in the field, in a format that is engaging and accessible--highly recommended!"--Rudy Ruiz, Ed.D., Founder and CEO, Edifying Teachers

About the Author

Coral Zayas, M.S., is the author of Teaching K-5 Science with over 15 years of experience spanning K-12 STEM education, bilingual instruction, higher education, and teacher professional development. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, college lecturer, program manager, and education policy fellow.

Coral specializes in designing cross-disciplinary curricula that integrate science, social studies, problem-based learning, and education technology. She centers global education perspectives and research-based strategies to engage diverse learners, particularly multilingual and neurodivergent students across all classroom settings.

As a recognized voice in education, Coral has presented at local and national conferences including ISTE, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), and the Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education (AAABE). She has contributed to education policy discussions as a fellow and panelist with Teach Plus Texas, Leadership ISD (Texas), and other organizations.

Coral believes science classrooms serve as bridges to global problem-solving and remains committed to empowering educators with tools that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. She earned her Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Elon University.