IES Inquiry: Preparing Students to be Critical Thinkers and Science Literate Citizens

AGI’s Middle School Curriculum IES: Investigating Earth Systems grades 5-8

Meeting New Standards Promote inquiry-based instruction Inquiry is an instructional outcome Equitable Developmentally appropriate Interesting and relevant to students Inquiry in professional development

Our View of Inquiry 1. Learners ENGAGE in scientifically oriented questions. 2. Learners give priority to EVIDENCE in responding to questions. 3. Learners formulate EXPLANATIONS from evidence. 4. Learners connect explanations to scientific KNOWLEDGE. 5. Learners COMMUNICATE and JUSTIFY explanations.

ENGAGE in Scientifically Oriented Questions What causes ocean currents?

EVIDENCE in Responding to Questions Students investigate the following: Salinity and its effect on density Temperature and its effects on density

EXPLANATIONS from Evidence Students use the maps to answer the following: a)Patterns between surface currents and wind direction b)Form a hypothesis to explain the relationship between wind direction and surface currents c)Relationship between the source of a current and the temperature of the water in the current

Connect Explanations to Scientific KNOWLEDGE Students connect the following: The movement of heat from low latitudes to high latitudes Relationship between wind direction a surface ocean current direction Effects of temperature and salinity on ocean circulation

COMMUNICATE and JUSTIFY Explanations Students consider on the following: 1)What evidence explains ocean currents? 2)How realistic is the model you created for deep ocean circulation?

Student Outcomes Know and understand scientific ideas Know and understand scientific ideas Understand how scientists study the natural world Understand how scientists study the natural world Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Critical thinking and problem-solving skills