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

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 tools
• Suggestions on working with students in teams
• Scores of sample lessons from varied disciplines

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 PrincipllÓ,