The Science Quest: Using Inquiry/Discovery to Enhance Student Learning, Grades 7-12

Preface ix

About the Authors xv

The Contributors xix

1 Rethinking How Science Is Taught 1

Critical Thinking and Inquiry 1

Understanding Student Inquiry/Discovery 3

Teaching Strategies for Inquiry/Discovery Learning 5

2 Linking 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

3 Introducing 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

4 Inquiry/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

5 Inquiry/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

6 Supportive 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

7 Assessment of Inquiry/Discovery and Content Learning 141

Assessment Goals in Inquiry/Discovery Instruction 142

Approaches to Assessment 143

The Teacher’s Shifting Roles in Inquiry/Discovery Assessment 154

A Balance of Assessment Practices 159

Summary 161

8 Managing Inquiry/Discovery in the Classroom 163

Homework 163

Classroom Management 165

Classroom Laboratory Essentials 168

Putting It All Together 173

9 Looking 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