New Ideas for Inquiry

After reading this article, I was amazed at how limited I have been with respect to teaching science inquiry. I often look to textbook resource materials for inquiry; many have great ideas. ... See More

After reading this article, I was amazed at how limited I have been with respect to teaching science inquiry. I often look to textbook resource materials for inquiry; many have great ideas. But they often stifle my creativity because all the answers are provided for me. Unconsciously, I lead students to that answer instead of encouraging divergent thinking. This article offers a fresh alternative and shows us, in many ways, that creativity in science is approached much like it is in an art class. Luckily, I teach both content areas and can readily appreciate the creative process. The article offers strategies to get students thinking and talking about their own ideas thus building up their confidence, risk-taking and innovative voices.