The Science Quest introduces the Inquiry/Discovery instructional framework, an innovative method for captivating students? interest in science, for building their skills in scientific thinking, and for dramatically enriching their understanding of scientific content and concepts. For teachers curious how to implement ?inquiry? learning as called for in the National Science Education Standards, this book provides detailed and practical guidance. It shows teachers how to transform ordinary lessons in ways that 1) encourage students to take initiative in posing scientific ?inquiry? questions; and 2) enable students to independently ?discover? answers to their questions by engaging in investigative practices and critically evaluating the findings. Inquiry/Discovery practices can be introduced in stages, starting with simple activities and gradually increasing the levels of challenge.
The Science Quest includes everything a teacher needs to bring successful instruction, including:
Extensive lesson planning and assessment toolsSuggestions on working with students in teamsScores of sample lessons from varied disciplines
Preface ix
About the Authors xv
The Contributors xix
1Rethinking How Science Is Taught 1
Critical Thinking and Inquiry 1
Understanding Student Inquiry/Discovery 3
Teaching Strategies for Inquiry/Discovery Learning 5
2Linking Inquiry/Discovery and Content Learning 15
The Importance of Hands-On Activities 16
Establishing Learning Goals 19
Necessary Classroom Tools and Resources 21
A Sample Lesson: Study of Archimedes Principle 23
Instruction Supporting Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 27
Assessment in Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 31
Summary 33
3Introducing and Planning Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 35
Building Rigor into Science Learning 36
Understanding Levels of Student Responsibility: The Instructional Matrix 36
The Instructional Matrix in Planning Science Lessons 39
Designing Inquiry/Discovery Lesson Sequences 51
Structuring Lessons to Best Meet the Potential of Students 60
Summary 63
4Inquiry/Discovery Lessons for Middle School 65
Lesson I: Astronomy (Measuring Distances) 66
Lesson 2: Study of Mass, Volume, and Density 78
Lesson 3: Energy Conservation 82
Summary 87
5Inquiry/Discovery Lessons for High School 89
Lesson 1: Energy, Work, and Power (Physics) 89
Lesson 2: Study of Cell Sizes: A Simulation (Biology) 96
Lesson 3: Effects of Chemicals on Metabolism (Biology and Chemistry) 100
Lesson 4: Study of Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Water (Chemistry) 103
Lesson 5: Study of Oxidation and Reduction (Chemistry/Geology) 110
Summary 114
6Supportive Instruction in Language and Team Building 117
The Scope of Inquiry/Discovery 117
Implementing Higher-Order Student Questioning 122
Working with Students in Teams 130
Supportive Strategies for Students with Special Needs 135
Service Learning as an Incentive for Inquiry/Discovery 135
Integrating Language Arts and Science: Another Look 137
Summary 140
7Assessment of Inquiry/Discovery and Content Learning 141
Assessment Goals in Inquiry/Discovery Instruction 142
Approaches to Assessment 143
The Teachers Shifting Roles in Inquiry/Discovery Assessment 154
A Balance of Assessment Practices 159
Summary 161
8Managing Inquiry/Discovery in the Classroom 163
Homework 163
Classroom Management 165
Classroom Laboratory Essentials 168
Putting It All Together 173
9Looking to the Future: The Globalization Challenge 175
Support for Dedicated Teachers of Science 175
Concluding Thought 177
A Selected Classroom Resources 179
B Writing Tools 183
C Assessment Tools 185
References 189
Index 193
