Richard Konicek-Moran

This activity book for teachers gives different activities to cover three types of science: Earth and Space, Biological, and Physical Science. It gives several stories to cover the background and then the activity that can be used for grades K- 8. It also lists the standards that each activity covers. With the book being copyrighted in 2008 the standards date back to 1993 so they would not be very practical for a classroom teacher today. I rated this book 4 out of 5 mainly because it is out of date other then that would be a great book for any elementary grade.… (meer)

When this reviewer talks about banning bird units from the library, those cut and past worksheet activities that net little learning, he always recommends the insertion of a Big think as part of the culmination of the learning activity. That is, after learners have achieved some expertise in what they research as individuals, they put together what they know as a group. Konicek-Moran provides on method of doing so. He provides story mysteries for solution that require the learners to apply what they have learned and using their background knowledge to figure out a solution. I always recommend this technique as When this reviewer talks about banning bird units from the library, those cut and past worksheet activities that net little learning, he always recommends the insertion of a Big think as part of the culmination of the learning activity. That is, after learners have achieved some expertise in what they research as individuals, they put together what they know as a group. Konicek-Moran provides on method of doing so. He provides story mysteries for solution that require the learners to apply what they have learned and using their background knowledge to figure out a solution. I always recommend this technique as something that requires the learners to think on beyond regurgitation of facts. This, this volume is valuable for thse ready-made mysteries that can be used in elementary schools. And, when you get the knack of what this author is recommending, you can make up mysteries of your own to suit what your students are trying to learn. It works. Recommended as a valuable and creative idea.… (meer)