Resources
Place-Based Scientific Inquiry: A Practical Handbook for Teaching Outside
Cover image for book Place Based Scientific Inquiry, showing three students touching a soil sample
This book focuses on helping 3rd-12th grade teachers facilitate scientific inquiry projects that are grounded in local places and environments. The book uses the Next Generation Science Standards to provide a strong conceptual and practical foundation for advancing community engagement in a justice-first classroom. Supplied with key ideas, step-by-step guidance on teaching practices, template documents, illustrations, and examples of student work, the book is designed to serve as a comprehensive and practical handbook for educators. The content of this book is based on years of experience as public school teachers and informal science educators, and has been endorsed by leading educators at NSTA and major university-level education programs. The online version of the book is open-access and free to read. You can also buy a hard-copy (paperback/hardback) from the publisher. All author royalties are donated to support scholarships for K-12 outreach programs at the University of Arizona Sky School.