Science Inquiry Asking Questions, Finding Answers

Grades 1-8

“It is enormously easier to present in an appealing way the wisdom distilled from centuries of patient and collective interrogation of nature than to detail the messy distillation apparatus. The method of science, as stodgy and grumpy as it may seem, is far more important than the findings of science.” Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World

Scientific inquiry refers to the ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence derived from their work. Inquiry also refers to the activities of students in which they develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world.

What is Science Inquiry?

From the National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1996, p. 23):

What is Inquiry? Answering a research question through the analysis of data.

Teaching Science Inquiry

• In Science Inquiry, emphasize the process. • Inquire science takes longer that one class period. • When doing inquiry science the focus should be:

• Evidence • Causal explanations • Testing models

All inquiry is not created equal!

Greater inquiry requires greater thinking on the part of the student.

How much information is given to the student?

How much information is given to the student?

Level of Inquiry

Question? Methods? Solution?

1 Directed Inquiry

2

3 4

Directed Inquiry—Students confirm a principle through an activity in which the results are known in advance.

How much information is given to the student?

Level of Inquiry

Question? Methods? Solution?

1 2

Structured Inquiry

3 4

Structured inquiry—Students investigate a teacher-presented question through a prescribed procedure.

How much information is given to the student?

Level of Inquiry

Question? Methods? Solution?

1 2 3

Guided Inquiry

4

Guided inquiry—Students investigate a teacher-presented question using student designed/selected procedures.

How much information is given to the student?

Level of Inquiry

Question? Methods? Solution?

1 2 3 4

Open Inquiry

Open inquiry—Students investigate topic-related questions that are student formulated through student designed/selected procedures.

The process of science is the goal.

Rather than learning vast amounts of scientific information, students need to

learn how to do science.

IT IS THE SCIENCE PROCESS – NOT THE SCIENCE PRODUCT

Inquiry Activities 1-8 By Design Science – Cycle 4

Tree Cookies LIFE – G2C1L3 – SE43/TE17*/SJ30*

Changing Matter PHYSICAL – G4C10L5 – SE359/TE64*/SJ18*

*By DESIGN Science – Multigrade 5-8

My Contact Information: djwyrick@naturebydesignlearning.com Dan Wyrick 209-607-8455