Table Of Content2
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without permission in writing from the publisher.
Some material in Chapter 4 comes from Marzano, R. (2003a).
Classroom Management That Works. Alexandria, VA:
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Reprinted by permission. The Association for Supervision
and Curriculum Development is a worldwide community of
educators advocating sound policies and sharing best
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Mangan, Margaret Angermeyer.
Brain-compatible science / Margaret Angermeyer Mangan. —
2nd ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-4129-3995-X (cloth) — ISBN 1-4129-3996-8 (pbk.)
4
1. Science—Study and teaching (Elementary) 2.
Science—Study and teaching (Secondary) 3. Learning,
Psychology of. 4. Brain. I. Title.
LB1585.M288 2007
507.1—dc22
2006011648
07 08 09 10 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Acquisitions editor: Cathy Hernandez
Editorial assistant: Charline Wu
Production editor: Sanford Robinson
Typesetter: C&M Digitals (P) Ltd.
Cover designer: Scott Van Atta
Indexer: Julie Grayson
5
Contents
Preface
A Need for Change
Metaphors for Reform in Science Education
Putting Brain-Based Learning to Work in the Science
Classroom
A Paradigm Shift
Acknowledgments
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction: Envisioning a New Paradigm for Science
Education
The Old and the New Science
A Change in Metaphors
Chaos Theory and the New Sciences
Reform in Science Education
Recurring Themes in Science Reform
Science Education Reform Initiatives
6
Brain-Based Learning Theory
Mind/Brain Principles
Nine Essential Classroom Strategies
Brain-Based Science Classrooms
Implications of Chaos Theory Principles for Science
Education
Implications of New Science Principles for Science Education
SECTION 1 CHAOS THEORY
1. Fractals: A Metaphor for Constructivism, Patterns, and
Perspective
Background: What Is a Fractal?
Implications of Fractals for Brain-Compatible Science
Wait for Simple Truths to Reveal Greater Complexities
Construct New Meaning From the Old
Search for Repeating Patterns and Different Perspectives
Application for Brain-Compatible Science
Lesson: Changing Perspectives
2. Iteration: A Metaphor for Change in Science Curriculum
and Information Management
7
Background: What Is Iteration?
Implications of Iteration for Brain-Compatible Science
Emphasize Dynamic Process and Flexibility
Look for Similarities in Systems
Feed New Information Into the System
Application for Brain-Compatible Science
Lesson: Magma Mix
3. Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions: A Metaphor
for Change in Gender Equity and Diversity
Background: What Is Sensitive Dependence on Initial
Conditions?
Implications of Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions
for Brain-Compatible Science
Pay Attention to Details
Show Sensitivity to Unique Dynamics
Accept the Impact of Changing Demographics
Application for Brain-Compatible Science
Lesson: A Closer Look at Crystals
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4. Strange Attractors, Phase Space, and Phase Portraits: A
Metaphor for Change in Learning Environments and Habits
of Mind
Background: What Are Strange Attractors, Phase Space, and
Phase Portraits?
Implications of Strange Attractors, Phase Space, and Phase
Portraits for Brain-Compatible Science
Trust in the Inherent Order
Set Invisible Boundaries With Freedom to Expand
Offer Greater Freedom and Flexibility
Believe in the Power of Guiding Principles and Values
Application for Brain-Compatible Science
Lesson: Dancing Raisins
5. Bifurcations and Period Doubling: A Metaphor Featuring
Choices, Joy, and Surprise
Background: What Are Bifurcations and Period Doubling?
Implications of Bifurcation and Period Doubling for Brain-
Compatible Science
Recognize More Than One Right Way by Providing Choices
Seek Out Turmoil and Surprise
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Provide a Joyful Classroom Atmosphere
Application for Brain-Compatible Science
Lesson: Invention Bifurcations
6. Turbulence: A Changing Perspective of Discipline and
Classroom Management
Background: What Is Turbulence?
Implications of Turbulence for Brain-Compatible Science
Expect the Order to Reemerge
Loosen Up and Have Some Fun
Let Go of the Control to Keep It
Application for Brain-Compatible Science
Lesson: Magical Milk Colors
SECTION 2 NEW SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Implications of New Science Principles for Science Education
7. A New Look at Evolutionary Biology: A Metaphor for
Change in Curriculum Integration and Localization
Background: What Is Evolutionary Biology?
Implications of Evolutionary Biology for Brain-Compatible
Science
10
