NATIONAL SCIENCE RESOURCES CENTER SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

NATIONAL SCIENCE RESOURCES CENTER
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION - NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Science for Children: Resources for Teachers
Science Instructional Materials Review Form

TITLE: or name of resource

SERIES TITLE: if applicable

AUTHOR(S): if applicable

CITY/STATE: where published

PUBLISHER/SOURCE:

ISBN NO:

ADVERTISED GRADE LEVEL(S): grade(s)

SUPPLIES: availability of materials and lots for core curriculum materials

COST: suggested list price

RESOURCE TYPE: student activity book, teacher's guide, boobs on teaching science, etc.

SUBJECT: selected from major content categories

Please supply the following information:

REVIEWER: _________________________ DATE:____________________
(reviewer's name) (date of review)

RECOMMENDED USER:

(check each that applies) _____stu _____tchr _____adm _____other (__________ )

GRADE LEVELS) RECOMMENDED BY REVIEWER IF DIFFERENT FROM THE ADVERTISED LEVELS) STATED ABOVE:

(Please circle the specific grade levels) for which you believe these materials are most appropriate.)

Pedagogy

Instructions: The following questions are designed to help you identify the important elements of each criterion. Please respond by selecting "yes" if the material meets this goal and "no" if it does not. If "no" is selected, please explain the reason in the space provided below the questions. In some instances, the question tray not be applicable; then mark "NA."

CRITERIA	RATING
I. ADDRESSING THE GOALS OF ELEMENTARY SCIENCE TEACHING AND LEARNING
Does the material focus on concrete experiences by the children with science phenomena?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material enable children to investigate important science concepts) in depth over an extended period of time (core materials only)?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material contribute to the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material stimulate student interest and relate to their daily lives?	Yes No NA
Reason:
Does the material allow for or encourage the development of scientific attitudes and habits of mind, such as curiosity, respect for evidence, flexibility, and sensitivity to living things?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Are assessment strategies aligned with the goals for instruction?	Yes No NA
Reason:
Will the suggested assessment strategies provide an effective means of assessing student learning:	Yes No NA

Reason:
II. FOCUSING ON INQUIRY AND ACTIVITY AS THE BASIS OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Does the material engage students in the processes of science?	Yes No NA
Reason:
Does the material provide opportunities for students to make and record their own observations?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material provide opportunities for students to gather and defend their own evidence?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material provide opportunities for students to-express their results in a variety of ways?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively with others?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material include a balance of student-directed and teacher-facilitated activities?	Yes No NA

Reason:
III. INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH
Does the material present a logical sequence of related activities that will help students build conceptual understanding over several lessons"	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the suggested instructional sequence take into account children's prior knowledge and experiences?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Are opportunities included to assess children's prior knowledge and experiences?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Do the suggested student activities develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material incorporate effective strategies for the teacher and/or the students to use in assessing student learning?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Does the material incorporate technological applications of science and the interactions among science, technology, and society?	Yes No NA

Reason:
Do the subject mater and methods of instruction provide suggestions for integrating science with other important learning experiences in the elementary curriculum, such as mathematics. language arts, and social studies?	Yes No NA

Reason:

Assessment of Pedagogical Appropriateness of Materials

Please provide a brief over-view of the concepts taught and the activities suggested in this material. It is not necessary, to use complete sentences; words and brief phrases are sufficient-

With the above criteria in mind, please comment on any particular strengths in this material.

With the above criteria in mind, please comment on any particular weaknesses in this material.

After reviewing this material with only the above criteria for pedagogical appropriateness in mind, I would:
a. recommend this material for inclusion
b. not recommend this material for inclusion

Presentation and Format, Materials, and Equity

Instructions: The following questions are designed to help you identify the important elements of criteria involving presentation and format, materials, and equity issues. Please respond by selecting "yes" if the material meets this goal and "no" if it does not. If "no" is selected, please explain the reason in the space provided below the questions. In some instances, the question may not be applicable; then mark "NA."

CRITERIA	RATING
PRESENTATION AND FORMAT
Teacher materials:
Does the background material for the teacher provide sufficient information on the scientific content?	Yes	No	NA

Reason:
Does the background material for the teacher provide sufficient information on common student misconceptions?	Yes	No	NA

Reason:
Is the format easy for a teacher to follow?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Are the directions on implementing activities clear?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Are the suggestions for instructional delivery adequate?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Are the suggested times for instruction reasonable?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Student materials:
Are the written materials for the students well-written, age-appropriate, and compelling in content?	Yes	No	NA

Reason:
HANDS-ON SCIENCE MATERIALS
Teacher materials:
Is a master source list of materials provided?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Is a list of materials included for each activity?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Is a complete set of materials readily available at a reasonable cost?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Are refurbishment materials easily obtained and affordable?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Student materials:
Are the materials recommended for use appropriate for the designated age levels?	Yes	No	NA

Reason:
Are appropriate safety precautions included, where needed?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:
Are instructions on manipulating laboratory equipment and materials clear and adequate?	Yes	No	NA

Reason:
SCIENCE FOR ALL
Is the material free of cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, and age bias?	Yes	No	NA
Reason:

Assessment of Presentation and Format

Hands-On Science Materials, and Equity

With the above criteria in mind. please comment on particular strengths and weaknesses in this material.

After reviewing this material with only the above criteria for presentation and format, hands-on science materials, and equity issues in mind,
I would:
a. recommend this material for inclusion
b. not recommend this material for inclusion

Recommendation

Based upon all aspects of my review of this material,
a. I highly recommend this material for inclusion in Science for Children.
b. I recommend this material for inclusion in Science for Children.
c. I recommend this material for inclusion in Science for Children with reservations.
Primary reason for reservations:

d. I do not recommend this material for inclusion in Science for Children.
Primary reason for rejection:

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