The Inquiry Flame

Journal Article | October 2010

In the lesson presented in this article, students learn to organize their thinking and design their own inquiry experiments through careful observation of an object, situation, or event. They then conduct these…

The Inquiry Matrix

Journal Article | October 2010

One way to advance inquiry in the classroom is to establish a systematic strategy for reflecting on our practice and our students’ readiness to engage in increasingly complex scientific reasoning. The Matrix for…

The Micro Assignment Guided Inquiry and Collaboration (MAGIC) method: A qualitative discussion of the benefits of active learning through scaffolded assignments in upper-level physics and mathematics

Journal Article | May 2024

In this article, we discuss Micro Assignment Guided Inquiry and Collaboration (MAGIC), an active learning method that draws on the merits of inquiry-based learning in STEM courses. We describe the use of Micro…

Open-Ended Inquiry

Journal Article | August 2012

In this article the authors describe how to help chemistry students develop a method to answer their own research question, called open inquiry, using the reaction of hydrochloric acid and aluminum foil as an example.

A New Model for Inquiry

Journal Article | June 2004

There has been renewed discussion of the scientific method, with many voices arguing that it presents a very limited or even wholly incorrect image of the way science is really done. At the same time, the idea of a…

This is Inquiry ... Right?

Journal Article | August 2012

Strategies for effectively adapting elementary science lessons.

Virtual Inquiry Experiences

Journal Article | November 2011

Students interact with a scientist virtually and make nanoscale observations of insects using an online scanning electron microscope.

Putting a Twist on Inquiry

Journal Article | January 2005

After studying linear motion and learning the basic concepts involved, (inertia, force and motion, friction), middle level students can apply their learning to nonlinear situations. Using toy tops is one way to teach…

A Backward Approach to Inquiry

Journal Article | December 2005

In the sciences, the National Science Education Standards further emphasize that learning science is an inquiry-based process; therefore, teaching methods should be inquiry-based. Use a backwards design approach to…

Argument-Driven Inquiry

Journal Article | October 2009

Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) is an instructional model that enables science teachers to transform a traditional laboratory activity into a short integrated instructional unit. To illustrate how the ADI instructional…

Inquiry Into the Heart of a Comet

Journal Article | January 2011

Real science means wrangling with peers over real ideas. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to emulate a real life model of science in action in classrooms? How? By starting with a great, hands-on activity modeling an object in…

Inquiry-Guided Instruction

Journal Article | April 2004

Inquiry-guided instruction (IGI) has the potential to greatly enhance the learning experience for both educators and students. Although studies show the benefits of IGI, implementation presents its challenges. Issues…

Inquiry in the Chemistry Classroom

Journal Article | November 2004

A recent survey of high school chemistry teachers indicated that many teachers are not using inquiry labs in their classrooms. One reason is that although teachers understand the theory of inquiry, they lack practical…

Perspectives: Defending Inquiry

Journal Article | August 2006

Inquiry-based lessons incorporate each of the science processes where most appropriate. Science is taught through inquiry in order to learn how scientists work, improve problem-solving skills, and improve student…