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
