Hands-On Physical Science Activities: for Grades K-8 (J-B Ed: Hands On) [Paperback]

Marvin N. Tolman Ed.D. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0132301784 | ISBN-13: 978-0132301787 | Publication Date: October 10, 1995 | Edition: 1

Each volume in this series presents more than 150 stimulating hands-on activities in an easy-to-follow format to teach thinking and reasoning skills along with basic science concepts and facts. Over 500 activities in all!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Hands-On books are an awesome resource that has enhanced my science units. Every activity has easy step-by-step instructions, a materials list, and teacher information. My students and I love the activities."
—Patti W. Seeholzer, third-grade teacher, River Heights Elementary School, Utah and winner of the 2002 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching

"A great resource for all prospective and practicing elementary teachers."
—David T. Crowther, associate professor, science education, University of Nevada, Reno

"The Marv Tolman science activity books were always a hit with teachers and were valuable for use with my science method course students."
—Dr. Donald R. Daugs, professor emeritus, Utah State University

"I love the Hands-On Science books by Marv Tolman. They sit right next to my desk within easy reach. The lesson plans are teacher friendly and student friendly. The books are put together in such a way that it is easy to find any subject. From Kindergarten to 6th grade the lessons are set up for all students to use. I know, I have used them in all grades and my students love to be involved in science. I highly recommend these books for any teacher whether you struggle with science or are an expert in the field."
—Marilyn Bulkley, fifth grade teacher, Garfield School District, Panguitch, Utah

"Our sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students have literally worn out our copies of Dr. Tolman's Hands-On Activities.  We have two copies of each activity book and students select them for their concise instructions, excellent diagrams, and easy-to-find materials. Even though the title indicates grades K-6, students and teachers in seventh and eighth grades found the activities very helpful in classroom demonstrations and as a beginning point for science fair problems.  I loved the way that the activities are divided into the three different disciplines: physical, earth, and life. It was fast and easy to locate just what you needed using the table of contents organization. There was always an activity for whatever concept my students were learning. Our school will need to purchase the newly revised activity books."
—Rosalee Riddle, science teacher, Red Hills Middle School, Richfield, Utah and science curriculum coordinator, Sevier School District, Richfield, Utah

"Before my current position as science teacher educator, I used these activity books extensively in teaching science to my sixth graders. I found them very valuable and helpful in creating lessons that engaged the students in hands-on activities that effectively taught science concepts. Now, as an assistant professor of science education, I continue to use them as I discuss and model hands-on and inquiry-based science. Additionally, I highly recommend them to the pre-service students in my elementary science methods courses, many of whom use them in lesson planning and unit planning for my class as well as during their practicum and student teaching experiences."
—Leigh K. Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Science Education, Brigham Young University

"I have taught many science classes for our district over the last ten years, and I always rely on your Hands-On books for background information.  I have them pulled off of the shelf now because I am using them to come up with a science/math activity for my National Board Certification Program.  I know I can trust these books. The information is clearly presented, easy to understand, and the activities always work."
—Mary Selin, second grade teacher, Davis District and first grade science trainer for the district, Davis School District, Utah

"I have used Marv's science books for several years. I love the experiments. The kids love to try them on their own. They have easy-to-follow directions and all the materials are readily available. I especially like the explanations of how and why. The best thing about these experiments is that they work! I haven't had one fail yet."
—Keetette Turner, kindergarten teacher, Granite District, Salt Lake City, Utah

"I began working with Marv Tolman ten years ago. I was new to the world of elementary teaching. I had heard of a workshop that helped teachers simplify, and pinpoint science concepts that could be taught repeatedly through hands-on, basic application. That workshop was the first of many and I still--ten years later--use the concepts to teach my students. The basic and simple mechanics of science that are incorporated into these lessons reach the gifted and struggling learner and can be adapted and adjusted to time and to the needs of students’ individual levels and learning styles."
—Marcie H. Judd, fourth grade teacher, Valley Elementary School, Kanab School District, Kanab, Utah

"Many elementary teachers lack science background knowledge. The Hands-On Science Activities series provides teachers with both background knowledge and engaging methods to help all students learn science concepts. Marv explains them using simple, clear, and concise language that equips teachers to teach with confidence. These books have increased both the accuracy and the quality of science education."
—Julie Cook, Title I Literacy Coordinator --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

This teacher's resource is one of three volumes in the "Science Problem-Solving Curriculum Library," a unique instructional series that provides nearly 500 exciting hands-on activities to teach students thinking and reasoning skills along with basic science concepts and facts.

Each volume in the series focuses on one major area of science normally taught in grade K-8 and offers a store of stimulating activities that can be used with virtually any science text. The activities follow the discovery/inquiry approach and encourage students to analyze, synthesize, and infer based on their own hands-on experiences.

BOOK 1 HANDS-ON LIFE SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR GRADES K-8
provides over 150 discovery experiences covering the topics of Plants and Seeds, Animals, Animal Life Cycles, Animal Adaptation, Body Structure, The Five Senses, and Health and Nutrition

BOOK II HANDS ON PHYSICAL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR GRADES K-8
provides over 180 easy-to-use activities covering The nature of matter, Energy, Light, Sound, Simple Machines, Magnetism, Static Electricity, and Current Electricity.

BOOK III HANDS-ON EARTH SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR GRADES K-8
presents over 165 inquiry activities covering the topics of Air, Water, Weather, The earth, Ecology, Above the Earth, and Beyond the Earth.

All of the activities are complete and ready to use, including a title written in question form ... list of materials needed, most readily available ... step-by-step procedures to be carried out by the student ... and special tips and background information for the teacher.

Many activities also provide illustrations to supplement the student procedures, and special sections "For Problem Solvers" that encourage motivated students toward independent investigation. Numerous activities are identified as appropriate to "Take home and do with family and friends."

And to help you quickly find appropriate activities, each volume includes a Listing of Activities by topics that lists topics and subtopics covered and identifies one or more activities in that volume that can be used to introduce or reinforce that particular concept.

With the hands-on activities in this unique Library, no teacher need be a "scientist" to conduct an effective and exciting science program! Moreover, the process skills emphasized in these experiences virtually assure students' increased insight and retention of content.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (October 10, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0132301784
• ISBN-13: 978-0132301787
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,407,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands-On Discovery All the Way !, July 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hands-On Physical Science Activities: for Grades K-8 (J-B Ed: Hands On) (Paperback)

Hands-On Physical Science Activities is an excellent resource for teachers, parents, and students. This book is a compilation of over 180 easy-to-use hands-on activities in the areas of Nature of Matter, Energy, Light, Sound, Simple Machines, Magnetism, Static Electricity, and Current Electricity.

The inquiry/discovery based approach of this amazing resource encourages students at the intermediate level (grades 4 to 8) to get inviolved in understanding scientific facts and principles while maintaining their interest, creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Hands On Physical Science Activities assists teachers in establishing a sucessful science program by motivating teachers to educate by use of hands-on activities and developing students thinking to become effective problem solvers. All the activities presented in the book can be easily used since they require everyday common items found at school or at home and are safe to conduct. Clear diagrams are also presented to illustrate how to proceed with the activities.

As an additional bonus for teachers, each activity lists essential criteria teachers should know and understand before presenting activities to the class. This section allows for teachers to develop content background and questioning and guidance skills. In addition, ideas for integrating the activities with other subjects are listed and the skills acquired through the activity are also mentioned. Reproducible activity sheets are included as well as suggestions for additional investigations or activities for students who are motivated to extend their study beyond the activity conducted in class.

As an educator myself I find Hands-On Physical Science an essential tool for any teacher teaching students about Matter, Energy, Light, Sound, Simple Machines, Magnetism, Static Electricity, and/or Current Electricity. A discovery based approach to science not only develops critical thinking, and problem solving skills but also allows for students to create their own understanding of scientific concepts. Many people would agree that they learn best when they can see, hear and do, and that is exactly what this book will provide. Hands On Physical Science will create a basic understanding of scientific concepts and develop an appreciation of the world around us.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for teachers, February 23, 2008

By 

M. Church "literature dwarf" (Pullman, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hands-On Physical Science Activities For Grades K-6 , Second Edition (Paperback)

This is a must have for any elementary school teacher! The text is easy to follow, and includes a list of materials required for each experiment. Many of the activities can be performed by students independently. What I found most beneficial is the scientific explanation of what 'occurred' in each experiment, which is critical if you're unsure of how to explain the scientific concept to young learners.