A Rubric for Selecting Inquiry-Based Activities

Journal Article | August 2002

One of the biggest challenges to the more widespread use of inquiry is the difficulty teachers have in identifying appropriate activities. Teachers can structure the use of inquiry in the classroom with this rubric…

Valuing Little Steps Toward Inquiry

Journal Article | October 2012

This article shows how taking small steps toward practicing scientific inquiry can shift the way teachers present core ideas and encourage students to communicate their scientific understanding.

Guest Editorial: Sparks That Ignite Inquiry

Journal Article | November 2010

Students ask questions all the time. They have natural curiosities about the world in which they live. Teachers help pique this curiosity with engaging activities—making students want to know more. Therefore,…

Creating Science Assessments That Support Inquiry

Journal Article | March 2012

This article discusses the resources available for teachers to apply higher-level thinking and cognitive complexity to their instruction and assessments.

Learning by Doing: Teaching the Process of Inquiry

Journal Article | August 2003

Through this "blind" observation exercise, you can bring science alive using inquiry to link the needs, interest, and experiences of your students. The authors provide a general model for inquiry lessons as well as…

Structuring the Level of Inquiry in Your Classroom

Journal Article | June 2008

As the upcoming school year approaches, many science teachers may be looking for new ways to incorporate inquiry in their classrooms. Fortunately, teachers have an array of inquiry activities at their fingertips. But…

Idea Bank: Roller Coaster Inquiry

Journal Article | August 2004

This project, which centers on roller coaster design, engages students in learning about physics and activates their prior knowledge in an open-inquiry environment. The activity also gets students involved with inquiry…

Science Sampler: An inquiry into the phases of matter

Journal Article | September 2010

The “What’s the matter With XOD” activity addresses students’ misconceptions and refines their ideas about phases of matter. This activity introduces the characteristics for solids, liquids, and gases, and begins a…

Inquiry and Developing Interpretations from Evidence

Journal Article | March 2004

When developing a rubric or criteria for assessment, teachers should be sure that they are accurately gauging student understanding. Good questions for teachers to ask themselves are, “What would I consider evidence of…

Teaching Inquiry Skills Using Rainsticks

Journal Article | October 2000

South American tribes created rainsticks—percussion instruments made from bamboo or dried cactus filled with rice—to appeal to the gods in hopes of bringing rain. In Africa, rainsticks are musical instruments. In the…

Editor’s Note: Selecting Inquiry Investigations

Journal Article | January 2011

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) specifically addresses the frequency with which teachers should incorporate inquiry as a strategy in their science classrooms. “Although the Standards emphasize inquiry,…