Science Inquiry Minds-on Hands-on

“Students combine processes and scientific knowledge as they use scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop an understanding of science.” -National Science Education Standards IN OTHER WORDS Students construct their own understanding by taking an active role in learning.

What is scientific inquiry? Science inquiry allows students to take an active role in understanding their science learning. Science inquiry transforms learning from watching and listening to doing. Science inquiry involves activities and skills in an active search for understanding. Science inquiry engages students in the investigative nature of science. Science inquiry is the active construction of ideas and the forming of connections.

Types of Inquiry Structured Guided Student Initiated Inquiry Inquiry Inquiry K-3 4-8 9-12

Structured Inquiry Teacher models and guides as students are provided investigation opportunity. Students follow specific teacher directions as they engage in hands-on discovery activities. Students focus on an aspect of inquiry and teacher provides connection to the larger problem. Teacher guides reasoning through discussion.

Guided Inquiry Teacher models and guides as students are provided investigation opportunity. Students determine procedure of investigation which has been chosen by teacher. Students focus on all aspects of investigation as teacher guides the connections. Teacher guides reasoning through discussion.

Student-Initiated Inquiry Students generate questions from a topic selected by teacher and design own investigations. Teacher defines learning goals. Students focus on all aspects of scientific inquiry and investigation. Teacher guides reasoning only if necessary as students solve problems.

Student Abilities Necessary For Scientific Inquiry K-4 5-8 9-12 Ask a question about objects, organisms, and events in the environment Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations. Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations. Plan and conduct a simple investigation. Design and conduct a scientific investigation. Design and conduct scientific investigations. Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses. Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data. Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications. Use data to construct a reasonable explanation. Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence. Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence Communicate investigations and explanations. Think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence and explanations. Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models.

Moving Along Science is the textbook, library reports, worksheets. Science is demonstrations done for the students. Science is students replicating experiments. Students do investigations which lead to student discoveries. Students conduct open-ended investigations to answer teacher generated questions. Students conduct open-ended investigations to answer their own questions.

Textbook Lesson In a textbook lesson, a guided activity worksheet may be the only investigation. Nothing is under the student’s control except manipulating the materials according to the directions of the worksheet.

Guided Lesson A question or challenge is presented wherein the students determine the path toward a solution. The teacher, however, provides a narrow focus to the path.

Open-ended Lesson The students have control over a range of questions within an area defined by the teacher’s instructions. Subject to teacher facilitation, students have control over the means of the investigation.

Inquiry involves: Posing questions Making observations Examining books and other sources of information to see what is already known Planning investigations Reviewing what is already known in light of experimental evidence

Inquiry involves: Using tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data Proposing answers, explanations, and predictions Identifying assumptions Communicating results Using critical and logical thinking From National Science Education Standards

Four Traits of Science Inquiry Connecting past knowledge and experiences with a problem Designing procedures to find an answer to a problem Investigating problems through data collection Constructing meaning through the use of logic and evidence

Science Process Skills Observing Carefully watching, taking notes, comparing and contrasting, classifying Questions Asking questions about observations which can lead to investigations Hypothesizing Providing explanations for any observations Predicting Suggesting what might happen based on observations Experimenting and/or Investigating Planning and conducting an experiment Measuring Gathering and Interpreting Data Analyzing and synthesizing Communicating Justifying and defending data

Teachers Have Concerns It is easier to lecture and use textbook. Now more science content knowledge is required. Students lack social skills and maturity to operate in an inquiry environment. Control of students will be a problem. Inquiry teaching requires a different teaching strategy that takes time to learn and implement. Key word is TIME. Lesson planning takes a long time. It may not “fit” into curriculum. Finding materials and enough of them is a problem. Inquiry objectives may be difficult to assess.

Science inquiry addresses content as well as process. An activity by itself, without guidance or connection is not a good inquiry activity. It needs to make a connection to meaningful content. Conducting hands-on activities does not guarantee a good inquiry lesson, nor is reading about science incompatible with inquiry. Good inquiry is planned and occurs within the activity.

An inquiry based science classroom exhibits: A creative learning environment using both group and individual discovery techniques. Student-focused learning with the students determining the lesson’s direction. Students engaging in scientific inquiry by asking questions and devising answers. Students engaged in problem solving and constructing meaningful experiences.

An inquiry-based science classroom exhibits: Teachers asking questions that encourage inquiry and stimulate thinking. Students interacting purposefully with each other and the teacher, leading to effective communication. Students gaining a greater understanding of the purpose of learning. Ongoing assessment. PBS ScienceLine

Questioning Would you like to know why…? Have you ever wondered about…? I wonder what will happen when…? How will you measure…? What do you think the answer will be? How will you record your results? Why do you suppose…? What can you conclude from the evidence?

NOT TRUE You never teach kids facts. You never stand up and lecture. All you do is discovery learning.

TRUE You cannot inquire about something unless you have a basis upon which to found it.

Science inquiry can address content as well as process. Science inquiry is not an either/or approach to science. In other words, it is not all hands-on; nor, is it all books. Create a balance between teaching strategies, student-driven investigations, and teacher direction. Use hands-on activities and inquiry investigations, books, class discussion, teacher demonstrations, skill-building activities, videos, computers. Science inquiry can address content as well as process.

of the teacher in an inquiry-based classroom include: Responsibilities of the teacher in an inquiry-based classroom include: Creating a rich learning environment by choosing activities that ensure active thinking Guiding learning in order to ensure content Planning and presenting the inquiry Identifying concepts students will investigate Facilitating investigation and discussion Asking questions which probe and develop thinking skills Controlling the class, but at a distance Monitoring student behavior by moving around room and speaking individually to students

Learning Cycle Strategy Explore Introduce Concept Apply

Discovery Exploration Start with an interesting question, a reason to explore. Explore materials, problems, phenomena, and ideas. Make observations. Structured Exploration Reexamine materials, problems, phenomena, and ideas. Generate questions, form hypotheses. Make observations. Collect and record data.

Introduce Concept Introduce concept with correct vocabulary. Discuss and question. Organize observations and data. Draw conclusions.

Apply Reinforce concept with additional activities. Embed assessment.

Implement Science Inquiry In Your Classroom Understand science inquiry. Select a science topic from curriculum. Locate resources and explore science content. Develop lesson objectives. Prepare materials and equipment. Organize classroom. Establish ground rules. Apply the learning cycle or similar inquiry-based teaching strategy.

Implement Science Inquiry In Your Classroom Assess student prior knowledge. Use time management. Become a facilitator. Use questioning techniques. Address misconceptions. Integrate subject matter. Perform assessments.

Enjoy Science!