Science Detective Beginning

Higher-Order Thinking • Reading • Writing in Science

Grades: 3rd - 4th
Subject: Science
ISBN: 0-89455-834-x
Activities: 40
Pages: 150

Teaches standards-based science as it develops reading, writing, and critical thinking skills!

Description & Features

Science Detective® uses topics and skills drawn from national science standards to prepare your child for more advanced science courses and new assessments that measure reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing in science.

First, students read lessons that include a variety of charts, tables, and graphs. Then, they answer critical thinking questions to improve their understanding of the science concepts and develop their reading comprehension, and inferential and deductive thinking skills. Students can't just scan the story for answers—they must carefully analyze and synthesize the information from the text and charts, tables, and graphs to explain and support their answers.

Science Detective® guarantees top performance on assessment tests, including:

* Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP)
* TerraNova, 2nd Edition (CAT/6 Multiple Assessments)
* Stanford Achievement Test™ (SAT/9; SAT/10)

Science Detective® meets Every National Standard for:

Physical Science
Life Science
Earth Science

Table of Contents/Skills

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Physical Properties: Observing, Measuring
States & Classification of Matter
Change of Phase
Position, Distance & Motion
Pushing & Pulling Forces
Sound, Hearing & Force
Light: Reflection & Refraction
Heat: Sources, Conduction
Electricity & Circuits / Symbols
Magnetism, Electromagnetism

LIFE SCIENCE
Animals, Plants & Environment
Instincts & Behavior
Plant & Animal Cells
Plant Structure, Function & Survival
Animal, Plants & Energy
Animal Needs & Behavior
The Five Senses & Survival
Life Cycles: Plants & Animals
Heredity
Environment & Change

EARTH SCIENCE
Earth Science & Earth Materials
Minerals / Soils / Rocks
Objects in the Sky / The Sun
Changes to the Earth's Surface
Atmosphere & Weather
Measuring Temperature, Air Pressure & Humidity
Motion of Objects in the Universe

Teaching Support

Includes teacher and student introductions, a chart of topics and key ideas to help select activities, and detailed answers.