Words from Wayne

I want to discuss what I hear as a sales rep regarding inquiry-based science. When talking and meeting with teachers everyone seems to have their own view and idea of inquiry. Most teachers are looking for some sort of inquiry-based science curriculum, especially at the high school level but what does inquiry mean?

Inquiry comes in many forms. It can be more or less teacher guided inquiry and more or less student self-direction.

Here are five essential features identified in "Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards: A guide for Teaching and Learning (NRC,2000)

1. Learner engages in scientifically oriented questions.

2. Learner gives priority to evidence in responding to questions.

3. Learner formulates explanations from evidence.

4. Learner connects explanations to scientific knowledge.

5. Learner communicates and justifies explanations.

If you would like more information regarding inquiry-based science please contact Kendall Hunt for a free pamphlet by BSCS entitled "Why Does Inquiry Matter?