Teaching K-5 Science: Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry, and Problem-Solving - Paperback

by Coral Zayas (Author)

A practical guide for new and experienced science teachers.

Teaching K-5 Science: Encouraging Exploration, Inquiry, and Problem-Solving empowers you with the tools, strategies, and knowledge you need to create dynamic, inclusive science lessons. This comprehensive, research-based resource shows you how to improve your practice with confident teaching and techniques that spark students' curiosity. You'll learn how to connect the science curriculum to students' daily lives, making concepts relatable through interactive, collaborative lessons.

With strategies that emphasize the "5 Es" of science instruction--engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate--this book provides step-by-step guidance for helping learners develop essential inquiry and problem-solving skills. You'll learn to create cross-disciplinary connections, incorporate STEAM education, and design inclusive lessons that meet the needs of all learners. You'll also find sample lessons, helpful resources, ready-to-use activities, and other tools for making science an inspiring part of every student's day.

• Gain the skills and confidence you need to engage K-5 learners in science lessons
• Get ready-to-use sample lessons and anytime techniques that bring science to life
• Discover methods for including learners who are neurodivergent, multilingual, or receiving special education services
• Make cross-disciplinary connections with project-based, problem-based, and place-based learning frameworks

Covering life, physical, Earth, and space sciences, this professional development resource emphasizes STEAM pathways and aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Transform your science classroom into a hub of innovation, curiosity, and critical thinking, with Teaching K-5 Science.

Author Biography

Coral Zayas, M.S., is the author of Teaching K-5 Science with over 15 years of experience spanning K-12 STEM education, bilingual instruction, higher education, and teacher professional development. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, college lecturer, program manager, and education policy fellow.

Coral specializes in designing cross-disciplinary curricula that integrate science, social studies, problem-based learning, and education technology. She centers global education perspectives and research-based strategies to engage diverse learners, particularly multilingual and neurodivergent students across all classroom settings.

As a recognized voice in education, Coral has presented at local and national conferences including ISTE, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), and the Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education (AAABE). She has contributed to education policy discussions as a fellow and panelist with Teach Plus Texas, Leadership ISD (Texas), and other organizations.

Coral believes science classrooms serve as bridges to global problem-solving and remains committed to empowering educators with tools that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. She earned her Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Elon University.