Scientific Argumentation in Biology for High School Classrooms

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 30 field-tested activities in NSTA’s new book Scientific Argumentation in Biology will give high school teachers direction in developing students’ understanding of argumentation and evidence-based reasoning in the context of the biology class. These activities will help students learn to (1) propose, support, and evaluate claims; (2) validate or refute claims on the basis of scientific reasoning; and (3) craft complex written arguments. A Framework for K–12 Science Education has identified these as important skills for students to develop.

The book is divided into three sections, with ten activities in each: Generate an Argument, Evaluate Alternatives, and Refutational Writing. Authors Victor Sampson and Sharon Schleigh have designed the activities to supplement a teacher’s existing curriculum. Teacher notes for each activity provide background information, highlight aspects of the Framework that are aligned with each activity, and identify the particular parts of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy that the activity addresses. A section is also dedicated to supporting the teacher in assessing student learning. Comprehensive and invaluable, Scientific Argumentation is a resource teachers can count on to help students learn standards-based content and acquire the habits necessary to become more proficient in science.

About the Authors

Victor Sampson is an assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education and the FSU-Teach Program at Florida State University. His research concerns ways to promote and support argumentation in the classroom. Sharon Schleigh, who has taught science at all levels, is an assistant professor of science education at Purdue University-Calumet.

You can browse sample pages of this new book for free at the NSTA Science Store website at www.nsta.org/store.

For additional information or to purchase Scientific Argumentation in Biology and other books from NSTA Press, visit the NSTA Science Store at www.nsta.org/store. To order by phone, call 800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET weekdays. The 417-page book is priced at $39.95 and discount-priced for NSTA members at $31.16. (Stock # PB304X, ISBN #978-1-936137-27-5)

The Arlington, Va.-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 50,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

NSTA Pressproduces 20–25 new books each year. Focused on the preK–college market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies.