Inquiry in the Science Classroom

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Inquiry in the Science Classroom

• Shifting from only laboratories to every day
  activities.

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Traditional Inquiry

• Used usually in laboratory experiences
• Ranges from student driven to teacher guided
• Engages students in the investigative nature of
  science

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Pros Cons of Traditional Inquiry

• Pros
• Best simulates actual scientific processes and
  methodologies
• Develops deeper thinking skills in students
• Overall greater learning experience for students

• Cons
• Can decrease content coverage
• Difficult to assess using traditional methods
• Equipment and time restraints
• Students may lack sufficient knowledge to be
  successful

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Inquiry Cycle
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Todays Thoughts on Inquiry

• Involves collection and interpretation of
  information in response to wondering and
  exploring.
• Does not necessitate laboratory experiences.
• Data driven decision making.
• Students investigate the why.
• Lesson structure determines inquiry level.

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Different Purposes of Inquiry

• To illustrate a concept
• To stimulate discussion/critical thinking
• To investigate the cause or effect of an event or
  event(s)
• To look at the what if
• To increase the scientific and intellectual
  curiosity of students

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Modes of Inquiry

• Pencil/paper activities
• Videos
• Internet
• Hands on activities
• Laboratories

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Man Without a Stomach Video

• Why does Jonas have to go to the bathroom a few
  minutes after eating?
• Why is Jonas so thin?
• Why didnt the bleach damage Jonas pancreas and
  liver? What if it had? What consequences would he
  have faced?
• Design a diet for Jonas based on his current
  injuries. Be sure to explain your rationale
  behind your recommendations.

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What patterns do you see?
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How do you explain these patterns?
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How could we test our possible explanations
(hypotheses)?
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How might latitude influence fall color change?
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Cities at higher latitudes should be cooler
during the fall? Cooler temps later fall leaf
color change?
Traverse City, MI
Grove City, OH
Columbia, TN
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Where can we get data?

• "Welcome to the Weather Underground." 2006. The
  Weather Underground, Inc.. 07 Apr. 2006
  http//www.wunderground.com/.

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(No Transcript)
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OUR CONCLUSION IS SUPPORTED!
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OUR CONCLUSION WAS CORRECT!!!!!
BUT WAIT
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Light is also highly correlated!!!!!
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Is there a difference in the amount of light at
different latitudes?
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Online Inquiry Experiences

• www.accessexcellence.com
• Croak
• http//www.accessexcellence.org/AE/mspot/croak/ind
  ex.htm
• Angry Red Planet
• http//www.accessexcellence.org/AE/mspot/arp/index
  .htm