Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers in Middle School: Using Nonfiction to Promote Science Literacy

Great news for multitasking middle school teachers: Science educators Terry Shiverdecker and Jessica Fries-Gaither can help you blend inquiry-based science and literacy instruction to support student learning and maximize your time. Several unique features make Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers in Middle School a valuable resource:

Lessons integrate all aspects of literacy-reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. The texts are relevant nonfiction, including trade books, newspaper and magazine articles, online material, infographics, and even videos. A learning-cycle framework helps students deepen their understanding with data collection and analysis before reading about a concept. Ten investigations support current standards and encompass life, physical, and Earth and space sciences. Units range from Chemistry, Toys, and Accidental Inventions to Thermal Energy: An Ice Cube’s Kryptonite!
The authors have made sure the book is teacher-friendly. Each unit comes with scientific background, a list of common misconceptions, an annotated text list, safety considerations, differentiation strategies, reproducible student pages, and assessments.

This middle school resource is a follow-up to the authors’ award-winning Inquiring Scientists, Inquiring Readers for grades 3-5, which one reviewer called very thorough, and any science teacher’s dream to read. The book will change the way you think about engaging your students in science and literacy.