Whitehead, D. (2007). Literacy and thinking tools for science teachers. In C.M. King & S. R. Mattox, Learning Through Inquiry: Weaving Science with Thinking and Literature(pp. 19-36). Norwood, MA, United State of America: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc.
Abstract
Literacy and thinking tools, such as Venn diagrams, are construction tools for the mind. Just as carpenters use tools to construct a piece of furniture, literate thinkers learning science can use tools to construct new scientific understandings. Like tools used by a carpenter, some literacy and thinking tools are purpose-built for science education; Josephine used a Venn diagram tool because she wanted to compare her pet bird to a bald eagle. Just as a screwdriver is built to slot into the head of a screw and rotate it, you can use literacy and thinking tools for subject- and text-specific purposes.
In this chapter, we examine some characteristics of literacy and thinking tools (Whitehead, 2001, 2004). A list of these tools, together with the chapters associ-ated with their use, is provided in Table 2:1.
Publisher
Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc
Rights
This article has been published in the book: Learning Through Inquiry: Weaving Science with Thinking and Literature. ©2007 Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc. Used with permission.
