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

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

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
THE AUTHORS FRANK X. SUTMAN is professor emeritus at Temple University, where he served as science teacher educator, senior scholar, and coordinator of the Center for Science Laboratory Studies. JOSEPH S. SCHMUCKLER is lead professor of science education and professor of chemistry at Temple University. JOYCE D. WOODFIELD is??a middle-school teacher who has taught numerous subjects, primarily??in the language arts.