Something for Administrators

Although scientific inquiry has proven itself to be an effective way to increase student’s interest and knowledge of science, there are still those who are ill informed and think that the no... See More

Although scientific inquiry has proven itself to be an effective way to increase student’s interest and knowledge of science, there are still those who are ill informed and think that the noise and freedom of an inquiry lesson is just an excuse for ‘play time.’ To those teachers who have to educate their administrators this article is a must. It is chocked full of research that supports this type of learning and it would be something you want that person to read to overcome their lack of knowledge and understanding of how scientists and children learn.

Inquiry defined

This brief article provides a succinct defilnition of inquiry; then lets us know that inquiry is what scientists do. I can relate to the concept; working for a research organization, we almo... See More

This brief article provides a succinct defilnition of inquiry; then lets us know that inquiry is what scientists do. I can relate to the concept; working for a research organization, we almost never used the "scientific method." We made observations, collected evidence, analyzed what we knew, then developed questions. Inquiry is a problem-solving skill, and science as done by scientists focuses on understanding a phenomenon by observing, questioning, and systematic problem-solving. According to the author, this scientific process is less used because it usually does not deliver an adequate level of content knowledge, which is measurable.The author cites several studies that show enhanced science understanding also enhances writing and mathematics proficiency, as well as higher order thinking skills.